Having been crowned winners of the mixed event and the girls-only event, they will now compete at our Cobham training ground for the chance to represent the Foundation at the national finals of the Premier League Primary Stars Tournament.

Earlier this month, 28 teams took part in the girls-only event at Southfields Academy, with St John’s Walham winning the final 1- 0 against Roche School. The event was followed by a mixed tournament involving 31 teams where St John’s Walham came out 1-0 winners yet again, this time against Sacred Heart Battersea.

All four schools, along with teams who made it to the semi-final stages from both tournaments, will now go on to face each other in a regional final at Cobham next Monday 24 February, with the winners getting the opportunity to represent the Foundation later this year at Vicarage Road, the home stadium of Premier League side Watford.

In addition to the London tournaments, schools in Surrey have been battling it out in competitions of their own. The winners of the mixed tournaments were Laleham and St Michael’s Ashford, while teams from William Cobbett and Lovelace won the girls’ competitions. All of these schools now have the chance to take part in the finals held at Cobham next week.

Chelsea Foundation’s Schools Education Coordinator, Anthony Savery said: ‘For a lot of the children, it’s a dream come true to get the opportunity to go to Cobham.

‘A lot of the schools were obviously joyous about getting through, some were of course upset that they didn’t but it’s a massive carrot for all the participants.

‘The girls last week and the mixed tournament this week, they’ve all wanted to win and get the chance to play at a world-class facility like Cobham and then obviously the chance to fully represent Chelsea at the nationals.'

There was a host of great football displayed by all teams at both tournaments but, as much as it was important to perform well on the pitch, it was key that participants showed the four values inspired through the Premier League Primary Stars programme.

‘At the beginning of both of the tournaments we’ve instilled these values into the tournaments too,' added Savery.

‘Being inspiring is one of the values, and this is about being good role models. Being connected is another value, which is about being a team player and that is fundamental in this tournament but also encouraging each other too.

‘Being fair is something we really wanted to push in these tournaments because obviously it’s about sportsmanship, as well as being considerate to everybody, so everyone has been shaking hands at the end of the games.

‘There have been no problems with any behaviour issues and so it has been fantastic to see that. Finally, being ambitious is the last value. That’s about trying your best and if you make a mistake, don’t worry, try again and carry on. Each child has displayed those values.’