West Ham have announced two new coaches at the Academy of Football, including the appointment of the club's first-ever female coach.
The Hammers were recently awarded the Premier League's Equality Standard Advanced level in recognition of the club's commitment to furthering equality, diversity and inclusion at West Ham.
The appointment of Nicole Farley and Elliot Whitely is another step towards a more diverse coaching staff at West Ham, with the pair joining up with the Academy of Football's coaching staff immediately.
Farley follows in the footsteps of Nia Davies, who became the first female coach in a Premier League academy when she was appointed by Swansea in 2015, and Natalie Henderson who joined the Newcastle United academy staff in 2019.
Farley applied for the role at West Ham through the Premier League’s Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme 2020/21 and will work throughout the academy age group teams.
"My first impressions of the academy have been absolutely fantastic in terms of it having such a family feel," Farley told West Ham TV. "There are so many passionate people here, so many passionate coaches with great backgrounds, and we’re all in one mixing pot together.
"When you walk around, you think ‘that’s that pro player I know!’, but there’s no ego. I like that I’m just coach Nicole here. For a club of this calibre to present this opportunity, it’s great in bridging that gap.
"That’s why I want to be promoting equality, diversity and Inclusion – because I know I have quality. I can perform and I’m a coach ready to learn, but also deliver the best.
"With everyone’s different backgrounds, we create an eclectic wider experience and an open culture. We need that diversity to be able to connect with the boys and come from different angles."
Whitely has been with West Ham since January having arrived via the FA's Club Placement Programme after the Hammers committed to the Football Association's Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic/female coaching programme.
"I was fortunate enough to get on a course for my UEFA B Licence and just being with coaches like myself is inspiration," Whitely said. "There’s a lack of people like me and Nicole within football, but hopefully we’re a small part in changing that and it progresses to bigger things and better things."
West Ham have reiterated their commitment to improving inclusion and equity at the club and with these two appointments are continuing to prove that.
The Hammers have been proactive in their approach to educate fans around the importance of equality and diversity at the club, as could be seen in their stance towards taking the knee.
"West Ham United is unequivocal in its stance - we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination," a club spokesperson told football.london.
"Equality and diversity are at the heart of the football club and we are committed to continue ensuring that everyone who enters London Stadium is free to enjoy watching their team play football in an inclusive environment.
"The club works closely with Kick It Out and our supporter group BAME Hammers. In conjunction with those parties, the club offer educational sessions, whilst reserving the right to uphold indefinite bans, should efforts prove unsuccessful."
