West Ham United U12s visit The Poppy Factory

West Ham United U12s Visit The Poppy Factory

Ahead of their Remembrance Day fixture with Burnley, four members of West Ham United’s U12 squad visited the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond. This visit was part of a special educational and community project aimed at helping young players connect football with remembrance, respect, and social action.

Premier League Truce Project Participation

The visit was integrated into the Premier League Truce Project, an annual initiative that culminates in a qualification tournament at Aldershot Barracks on Remembrance Sunday and the Truce Tournament in Ypres, Belgium, in December.

The Poppy Factory's Role and Impact

Since 1922, The Poppy Factory has provided secure employment for hundreds of veterans, many facing mental and physical health challenges. To date, the charity has supported over 3,500 veterans and their families across the UK through employment assistance.

The Poppy Factory continues to produce about 100,000 wreaths yearly from its Richmond base, including the wreaths laid by the Royal Family at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Connecting Football and Remembrance

West Ham’s young players have been learning about the Club’s wartime history, honoring those who served, and using football as a means to engage with local veterans.

"The visit formed part of the Premier League Truce Project, which runs annually and builds up towards a qualification tournament at Aldershot Barracks on Remembrance Sunday and the Truce Tournament in Ypres, Belgium, in December."

"Since 1922, The Poppy Factory has provided secure and supportive employment for hundreds of veterans, many with mental and physical health conditions."

Author’s summary: This visit highlights how West Ham United’s young players use football to honor veterans, learn history, and foster respect through meaningful community engagement.

West Ham United FC — 2025-11-07