Football is a pretty big deal here in the UK. Up north, Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City all play within roughly 30 miles of each other. Down in London, however, anyone would be forgiven for thinking it’s just one big footie fest, with no less than six Premier League and 4 Championship clubs calling the capital home!

Out of these ones, one stands out: West Ham, based in Stratford, East London. They are currently in the Premier League, the top tier of English football, and host matches at the London Stadium, having moved from their former home the Boleyn Ground in 2016. Who never wanted to listen to the team anthem, “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles”?

The origins of West Ham’s links with organised football-related violence starts in the 1960s with the establishment of The Mile End Mob (named after an area of the East End of London). During the 1970s and 1980s (the main era for organised football-related violence), West Ham gained further notoriety for the levels of hooliganism in their fan base and antagonistic behaviour towards both their own and rival fans, and the police.

In this matchday experience, you will meet our English Speaking Homefans Local Host Tom in the afternoon at Upton Park Station. He will take you around where the old stadium used to be, show some player murals, statues, explain the history of the club, and of course, go for a pint in the famous Boleyn Pub!

After that, we will head to the pub in Stratford for pre-match beers. Take this time to meet West Ham supporters and get to know them! Then, we will walk to the stadium, take some pictures, stop by the club’s store and Tom will escort you to your seats. Enjoy some world-class Premier League football!

After the game, for the ones who want to extend the night, we will go to Shoreditch / Brick Lane, an area of East London you can have an amazing night out. There are hundreds of different bars to go and various pubs /restaurants!

Meeting Point: Upton Park Station