Chelsea’s global automotive partner Hyundai Motor UK has teamed up with the club and Hyundai dealerships across the UK to launch Hyundai FC, a nationwide grassroots football programme for junior teams.

Eleven girls’ and boys’ teams from Under-8s to Under-16s in partnership with local Hyundai dealerships will participate in a project that will offer them unique football experiences throughout their season. Each team will receive top-level coaching sessions from Chelsea Foundation coaches, brand new playing and training kit and Chelsea FC benefits to inspire the next generation of aspiring footballers.The programme is part of For The Fans – Hyundai’s commitment to football in the UK and support of fans at all levels of the game – from the grassroots players, coaches and parents at the 11 Hyundai FC clubs to the elite-level through the sponsorship of Chelsea.

The 11 teams, along with their coaches and families, were invited to Stamford Bridge last week to launch the programme. After a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, the teams took part in skills sessions run the Chelsea coaches on the famous pitch before each club was presented with bespoke training plans to help their team develop over the upcoming months. On their visit to west London, the players, along with their parents and the local Hyundai dealers, were also treated to a meet-and-greet with Blues’ legend Gustavo Poyet and mascots Stamford and Bridget.Throughout 2019, each of the teams will be visited by Chelsea Foundation coaches to implement their training programmes as well as each Hyundai FC club coach having the chance to visit the Blues’ training base in Cobham to participate in a hands-on coaching experience with Chelsea Academy coaches and teams.

Simon Taylor, head of the Chelsea FC Foundation, said: 'It is fantastic to see companies like Hyundai investing in football from the elite level right through to the grassroots.

'The Foundation is looking forward to working with the players and coaches, helping to deliver a programme that will stay with the clubs for years to come and creating a legacy for the Hyundai FC coaches, their teams and football in their communities.'David Pugh, marketing director at Hyundai Motor UK said: ‘One of the key aims of For The Fans is to put fans first – supporting and enabling all fans from grassroots to elite level across the country. With the help of our dealerships and Chelsea’s top-class Foundation coaches, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of players and fans through Hyundai FC. We are looking forward to giving the 11 teams involved a season they will never forget.’As part of For the Fans, Hyundai has already celebrated and rewarded fans that have gone the extra mile to follow the Blues and surprised fans with Chelsea match tickets and will continue to support fans during this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup with ticket giveaways, travel and exclusive player content.