West Ham captain Kurt Zouma and vice-chair Karren Brady have spoken of their pride in the club after it was honoured with the Premier League’s highest award for equality, diversity and inclusion.
The Hammers were awarded the advanced level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS) during a presentation at the London Stadium on Monday afternoon, the second time the east London club have earned that recognition having previously done so in 2020.
The award recognises the Irons’ continued progress in EDI, with the Premier League’s report finding that the club’s “well-communicated, zero tolerance stance on all forms of abuse and discrimination is undoubtedly achieving demonstrable impact and lasting change”.
“It was an immense source of pride when we first received the award,” Brady said. “But in many ways today’s honour is an even greater achievement, as it shows that we didn’t stand still, but instead we worked even harder to keep improving and challenging ourselves.
“Throughout our long and illustrious history in East London, there is so much for us to be proud of as a Club, and our continued success as an equity leader only serves to drive us to even greater heights.”
West Ham marked the occasion with a whole-club photograph at the London Stadium, featuring staff from across the set-up as well as youth team, women’s and men’s first-team players.
“As a player you need to know as a club the work we are doing for the community and helping people outside of football,” Zouma told PA. “Football is just a game. As players we got a chance to play at a professional level and it’s good to help and give a bit of our time.
“I’m very proud to be part of this amazing club on and off the field. They are doing a great job and just keeping growing. You can see the fanbase how massive West Ham is and it gives us the confidence to keep going.”
