The project aims to combat social isolation that has particularly affected young, displaced people who have limited access to support networks, activities, and education.

The sessions, which take place at The Warwick School in Redhill, also help respond to the specific psychosocial and psychological needs of young people who have who have experienced the trauma of forced displacement.

Chelsea Foundation has also invited refugees to our Premier League Kicks programme sessions at Eel Brook Common to give them the opportunity to play football and meet young people from similar backgrounds. Together with Fulham Foundation and Hammersmith and Fulham Council, we have donated boots to the young refugees who are attending the Kicks sessions.

Chelsea Foundation officer Ben Mitchell said: ‘Being able to support programmes such as this one with Big Leaf Foundation really connects with our values as a football club.

‘By doing the right thing and giving these young, displaced people the chance to play the game of football, and to use the power of the sport to connect, engage and make them feel like they can express themselves in a fun, safe environment and feel part of a community, is a real pleasure to be involved with.’

Ben Monro, Big Leaf Foundation programme manager said: ‘Big Leaf Foundation (BLF) is delighted to join forces with Chelsea FC Foundation to deliver weekly football sessions for our displaced young people beginning their new lives in East Surrey.

‘These one-and-half-hour long sessions will run every Wednesday from 28 April at the Warwick School in Redhill and will be delivered by one of the Chelsea Foundation coaches. The BLF team will be on hand to welcome young people as well as provide casework support if individuals have any concerns that are affecting their general well-being.

‘Whilst the sessions will currently be limited to on-field training, our aim is to expand the project to include ESOL classes where players will learn English through football, with our BLF teachers and Chelsea coaches supporting them learn vocabulary, develop their communications skills and understanding of strategies, as well as helping form the foundations of a team.’

Chelsea Foundation senior social inclusion officer Callum Salhotra added: 'To help support our refugee groups is really important. Playing football is something that is recognised all across the world so by attending this session makes them feel at home. They also are able to improve their English and hopefully become more engaged within their community.'