Foundation coaches were back delivering face-to-face Soccer School sessions throughout the traditional Easter holidays, including sessions with three of our partner grassroots football clubs.

Cranleigh Football Club, Farnham United Football Club and Farncombe Youth Football Club all hosted Chelsea Foundation Soccer Schools earlier this month as part of our collaboration, with Foundation coaches on hand to give players the full Chelsea training experience.

Chelsea Foundation coaches delivered technical training and small-sided games as well as providing professional development support to players, coaches and volunteers.

Chelsea FC Foundation officer Ben Mitchell said: ‘It’s always a pleasure working with our association grassroots football club’s players and the people that help run them throughout the season.

‘Our Soccer School courses are a very popular addition to our grassroots support and over the Easter period have helped us to engage with around 300 players.

‘Our commitment to helping our local grassroots communities is a vital part of our football development programme to ensure players are given the chance to play and represent their local club as well as helping to raise the coaching standards.’

Paul Carey, football development officer at Francombe Youth FC club, added: ‘It was fantastic to have the Chelsea Foundation Soccer School back at Farncombe Youth over the Easter half-term.

‘As always, they deliver a great experience for the kids in a safe and fun environment to learn new skills and it was also excellent to extend this year to a focused session on our older age groups.’

Farnham United Football Club are one of many locations hosting Chelsea Foundation Soccer Schools next month.