Over the course of a dynamic and inspiring week, players from the Under-15s squad stepped into 10 different career environments, gaining valuable insight into the range of paths available to them beyond football. The initiative forms part of our Work Explorience Programme, created and organised by the Academy’s Player Care department to support the personal development of young players off the pitch.

The week kicked off at Stamford Bridge, where the boys experienced the buzz of a Premier League matchday behind the scenes during the Blues' final home game of the season against Manchester United. From shadowing analysts and photographers to assisting in the Chelsea Megastore, the players gained first-hand experience in matchday operations and fan engagement.

Next, the they stepped into the world of design and craftsmanship at a specialist jewellery store, creating their own pieces and discovering the intricate process of working with silver - an eye-opening mix of creativity, precision and skill.

Midweek brought media exposure as the group toured the bustling hubs of TalkSport, The Sun and The Times in London Bridge. They explored the art of storytelling and how sports content is shaped and delivered across radio, digital and print, a highlight for many aspiring creatives in the group.

A stand-out moment came during the boys' visit to the Ballers League, where they were welcomed by Chelsea legend John Terry, manager of the 26ers. The players not only learned about the operations behind a new football league, but also had the chance to show off their own skills on the pitch.

The week also gave the teenagers a chance to explore the wider role of responsibility and leadership beyond football, with a visit to UNICEF UK. There, the Under-15s learned how global organisations work to protect children’s rights and how athletes and public figures can use their platforms to support meaningful causes.

Then came a stop at the Football Manager headquarters, where schoolboys were introduced to the design and research process behind the globally popular video game. That was followed by a visit to the PGMOL's VAR Hub, offering a rare glimpse into the decision-making systems that underpin VAR technology and influence the modern game.

The journey concluded at Williams Racing, where the boys explored elite performance, engineering excellence and innovation within the high-stakes world of Formula 1.

Throughout the week, players were encouraged to reflect on how their existing passions, skills and mindsets could apply far beyond football, into industries as diverse as media, technology, fashion and social advocacy.

Under-15s player Tom shared his thoughts on what the week-long experience meant to him and his team-mates: 'It was an amazing week! I thought it was really eye-opening and inspiring. It made me realise just how many opportunities exist beyond being a footballer.

'If I had to choose, I would say visiting TalkSport was a highlight for me. I’ve always been interested in journalism, so seeing how a show is produced from behind the scenes was fascinating. I think we all came away with a broader perspective on what the future could hold.

'The rest of the boys really enjoyed their time too. None of us want to think about a future where we’re not playing football, but you never know, and it’s always good to have an idea of what a plan B could look like.'