Chelsea Football Club recently embarked on a community tour in Jordan and Israel, using the power of football to bring people and communities together.
The visit received the backing of Rt Hon Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister who does much of his work now promoting peace in the Middle East.
Blair said: 'I've always believed that sport can play a key role in helping to bring people of different backgrounds cultures and religions together, which is why projects like this can make a difference.'
'This is a great initiative, I wish Chelsea the best of luck for their visit to the Middle East and congratulate the club for their really imaginative work in helping to break down barriers and engaging with young people across communities in the region.'
Academy players and staff visited projects run by our global charity partner Right To Play in Amman. The team also visited community initiatives in Tel Aviv that provide sporting opportunities for young people from both Israeli and Arab communities.
The club will be also providing coaching master classes for aspiring coaches, demonstrating the skills and techniques that have helped Chelsea FC become one of the world's leading clubs.
Academy Director Neil Bath said:
'There is so much good work going on within football, particularly at Chelsea, that doesn't get reported.
'We have a proud history in providing world class programmes to deliver coaching, promote health and tackle social problems in London and throughout the world.
'I'm sure this year's tour will show the power of football to bring people together and show that there is no place for discrimination in our game or in our societies.'
Right To Play National Director Chris Robinson added:
'We are delighted to once again be able to show our partners, Chelsea FC, our work in action.
'We know that visiting our Jordan projects with Chelsea provides a huge boost for our local coaches and children and is a major positive message throughout the Middle East.
'The fact that Chelsea are interested in the lives of refugees in Jordan is a powerful message and once again shows the positive potential of sport.'
The Jordanian leg of the tour took place between 26-28 May and visited Palestinian refugee projects in Amman. The team also provided advice and help for young Jordanian coaches using practical examples of the Chelsea first team and academy coaching techniques.
In Israel between 29-30 May, the tour focussed around the David Lewis Centre in the historic city of Jaffa, which provides footballing and educational opportunities for young Israeli and Arab boys and girls.
The David Lewis Centre is home for the Jaffa Community Football Club which provides sport for children and young people from the Jewish and Muslim communities.
Members of the Chelsea youth and reserve team will be joining the tour including Israeli International Ben Sahar, England youth players Michael Woods and Shaun Cummings, Spanish youth international player Sergio Tejera and Football Icon winner Carl Magnay.
