Sadiq Khan shares footage from London Stadium, former West Ham United star Carlton Cole interviewed
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan took to Twitter on Friday [3 March] to share footage from West Ham’s London Stadium, with ex-player Carlton Cole also involved in the London Hope Hack’s young people initiative.
Hundreds of young people joined a host of West Ham United players, Mayor Khan and Cole at the ground to explore and develop solutions to reduce violence and gang-related crime across the capital [WHUFC, 23 February].
Hosted by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), the London Hope Hack foundation saw over 250 youngsters aged 14-25 participate in discussions and workshops before presenting their ideas.
And Mayor Khan took to his personal Twitter account [3 March] to advertise the initiative.
He tweeted: “It was a privilege to meet young Londoners and hear their solutions to the biggest challenges they face at West Ham’s London Stadium.
“Hosted by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), the London Hope Hack gave young people’s ideas the platform they deserve as we built a better and fairer London for all.”
Great cause
Considering the huge number of violence and crime around the capital, it is incredibly vital to hear the thoughts and struggles that some young people face in their daily lives.
And this initiative taken by Mayor Khan and Cole, hosted by West Ham is a great cause for the local community. Some things are more important than football, and that is the lives of future generations.
More career opportunities for young people are desperately needed, especially those with ambitions to become footballers.
In order to tackle violence in the streets, discussions really need to be had in order to address and curb all the crime in London which can be better tackled by providing more young people with career opportunities and apprenticeships.
Clubs like West Ham are a big part in the London community and it’s fantastic for the club to host a hugely crucial and welcome cause.