The world premiere of the story of West Ham’s Clyde Best, the first Black footballer to play in the English Premier League First Division, will open in east London next week.
Transforming the Beautiful Game explores Best’s journey from Bermuda to East London, where he rose to fame as the Hammers centre forward between 1968-76. The documentary not only highlights his sporting achievements but also the broader social and cultural significance of his career – Best faced horrendous racial abuse both on and off the field.
In the documentary, Best, now 74, said: “I set out to do big things, and I did it. My hope is that young players will see that and be inspired.”
EECF, a sponsor of the documentary and leading charitable funder for the East End, is using the film to bring young people together this summer through a series of community screenings and conversations. The initiative will create space for young people to reflect on their own identities, connect with peers and be inspired by Best’s journey.
EECF has distributed more than £35 million to community groups across east London over 35 years, and its Well-being Grants for Young People programme was established to support youngsters in the London Boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and City of London as part of the Life Chances Fund. The programme awards £300,000 in grants every year to community groups who deliver activities to positively impact young people’s personal development, breaking down barriers between groups of people, and creating safe spaces for growth.
East End boroughs have the highest levels of child poverty in London, with over 40% of children living in poverty – a challenge EECF is committed to tackling through its grant making and relationships with local communities.
The Life Chances Fund is a pooled giving scheme, aiming to raise £5 million for where we believe it is needed most: tackling pensioner poverty and isolation, building brighter futures for young people and closing the digital divide.
Commenting on the link between Best’s legacy and the Community Foundation’s current work, CEO Tracey Betts said:
“Clyde Best’s story is one of resilience, talent and determination. As an organisation rooted in East London, we are proud to support a film that recognises a trailblazer whose legacy extends far beyond the pitch. Celebrating stories like Clyde’s reminds us of the importance of representation, perseverance and widening opportunity for future generations.”
“We know how powerful role models can be for young people. East End unemployment rates are among the highest 20% nationally with youth unemployment higher than the UK average. Our Well-being Grants for Young People are a vital part of changing the narrative for our youngsters across East London, and we’re delighted to be able to share Clyde’s story with them because we know it will resonate and inspire.”
Transforming the Beautiful Game premieres at Sadler’s Well East on 25 March and runs until 28 March.
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