With social distancing measures still in place, Foundation staff are working hard to support our communities and participants, with the Home Activities Programme designed specifically to meet the needs of our disabled participants.

The programme, which has been provided to 150 disabled participants who usually attend regular training sessions at our Cobham training ground, will initially run for 12 weeks, with four-week blocks installed within it for players to work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Level individual achievements.

The range of activities include ball-mastery skills and co-ordination and technique-based activities, where household alternatives can be used to take part. These include fun activities such as using a pair of rolled up socks in a penalty shoot-out and a challenge to flick your socks in to the laundry basket!

Furthermore, players and parents have access to online drop-in clinics with Foundation staff and access to our coaches for one-on-one support as and when it is required.

Chelsea Foundation disability officer Ellie Crabb said: ‘We are delighted that during these challenging times we are able to provide a programme that participants of our regular sessions can take part in.

‘There is lots of variation and we are available to support parents when they need something during this time. It will also hopefully provide them with the opportunity to create their own home sessions and take part in activity with their families to support them as a whole.

‘The children and families we engage with are an example and inspiration to all. We have a great relationship and ask them to provide us with feedback on the activities we have created, in order to develop the programme further.

‘Live online sessions are also being implemented with the aim to help the participants improve their techniques and skills and ultimately remain connected with Chelsea having been used to training with us regularly.’

For more information on the Chelsea Foundation’s pan-disability work please contact [email protected]