West Ham Players Give Local Families A Festive Surprise

On Wednesday 12th December, for the second year running, some of West Ham United's top players paid a visit to excited families at Stratford Circus Arts Centre. The players came along in support of the venue's Full Hearts Full Tummies campaign, which raises money to make Christmas a magical one for families in difficult circumstances in Newham who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford a seasonal treat. Families were thrilled to meet local sporting heroes including team captain Mark Noble, Robert Snodgrass, Aaron Cresswell, Marko Arnautovic and Jack Wilshere, who joined the team from Stratford Circus to help serve hot food and meet the families.

Now in its fourth year, Full Hearts Full Tummies means families and children facing challenges can share a festive lunch after watching a special Christmas performance at the arts centre for just £1, ensuring tummies and imaginations are well fed. This year, the show is an adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's classic picture book The Gruffalo, which was previously a smash hit in the West End. Last year, over 385 children and parents benefited from the scheme, and this year the arts centre is hoping to reach up to 600 local individuals in need by collaborating with children's centres, and local charities. For many children taking part, it will be their first experience of live performance, ensuring creative inspiration for their learning development as well as some magical Christmas memories.

The visit was part of the club's innovative Players' Project campaign which sees members of the men and women's first-team squads supporting various strands of the local community.

West Ham has already invested almost £13m directly across education, health and social mobility projects since 2013 in the London Borough of Newham and surrounding Olympic boroughs and Essex.West Ham United is committing to invest a further £10 million over the next three years; this will further expand the Club's reach whilst at the same time creating deeper provision with our more deprived communities.
The Club will work with, help, support and give opportunities to up to 100,000 people from our community over the next three years.

Speaking about Full Hearts Full Tummies, Stratford Circus Arts Centre's Director Tania Wilmer said "We're really thrilled to welcome the West Ham players here today. Full Hearts Full Tummies is about making fantastic experiences accessible and creating special memories at a time of year the can be particularly challenging for a lot of people. Having watched The Gruffalo and enjoyed a warm meal, meeting some local heroes has added an extra sparkle to a day these families won't soon forget."

West Ham midfielder Robert Snodgrass said: "Coming to these events always puts things into perspective, and it is always great to make a difference at this time of year.

"Everyone will tell you that West Ham is the people's club, and I think events like these clearly show that the club are extremely passionate about the community and making a difference to people's lives."

This year, Stratford Circus Arts Centre hopes to raise enough funds to reach 600 children and families and is collecting donations in person or online at

Or by text, donate £10 by texting: 'FHFT17 £10' to 70070

or £5 by texting 'FHFT18 £5' to 70070

Local businesses wishing to offer donations, support in kind, or organise a fundraising event are asked to contact mia@stratford-circus.com

@StratfordCircus | #FullHeartsFullTummies | www.stratford-circus.com