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DAGENHAM, Essex, April 29, 2008 – A Thames Gateway community scheme, which uses football to help tackle social issues in the area, has benefitted from a further £20,000 donation from Ford.
The Thames Gateway Youth Football Project has received a total of £230,000 from the UK car and commercial vehicle market leader's charitable arm over the last eight years.
In that time Ford Dagenham, the capital's largest manufacturing employer, has seen diesel production rise to over 1,000,000 engines a year – and an extra 500 manufacturing specialists have been recruited.
This year's £20,000 presentation from the Ford Britain Trust was made at Saturday's West Ham vs Newcastle Premiership game, in the presence of former Hammers player Bobby Barnes – now Professional Footballers' Association assistant chief executive.
West Ham is one of four London soccer clubs providing professional coaching and guidance to the five to 24-year-olds helped by the Thames Gateway Youth Football Project. Other clubs are Charlton, Millwall and Dagenham & Redbridge.
The Project uses football as an influence to raise the standards, life skills and expectations of participants from eight London boroughs. They benefit from the Project's educational and sporting opportunities such as drop-in football sessions on east London estates, healthy living programmes, courses leading to Football Association-recognised coaching qualifications and after-school soccer clubs.
In partnership with Ford, the Project organises summer football coaching at company facilities to reward young people from Barking and Dagenham whose grades, behaviour and attendance have improved.
Bob Blenkinsop, for the Ford Britain Trust, said: "This innovative football project is focused on areas local to Ford Dagenham. By using the universal appeal of football, real changes for the better are made – establishing a greater sense of community across east London and helping the region's regeneration."
Ophelia Soares, Thames Gateway Youth Football Project manager, said: "We are tremendously grateful for the support Ford brings to the Project. Their sponsorship provides free football coaching and educational opportunities, making a difference to the lives of young people across east London.”
There are almost 4,400 people employed at Ford Dagenham, which majors on diesel engines but also produces vehicle body panels and wheels. Ford Transport Operations are also based on site to move vehicles and components via Ford Dagenham's rail, road and sea hub.
