This initiative run by our Academy aims to expose our Year 10 boys to a range of career pathways and experiences outside of football, cultivating personal growth and encouraging new passions.

Following the conclusion of their ‘work explorience’ last week, many players provided feedback on how much they enjoyed the opportunity to visit different work places. Yahya Idrissi, who plays in our Academy, outlined what he gained from the process.

‘Outside of Cobham, this is the best experience I have had at Chelsea,’ he said. ‘It was a great opportunity to further bond with my team-mates outside of a football environment, experience the world outside of football in terms of careers, adulthood and practical experiences.

‘I really enjoyed the week but if I had to pick a favourite experience, it would’ve been seeing the facilities at McLaren or the practical experience of recording in the Kiss FM radio studios.’   

The week of ‘work explorience’ saw our boys demonstrate their skills off the pitch and abilities in other areas, something our Academy is keen to encourage and considers important to their development as players and people. From the world of finance in the City of London to firefighting in Surrey at Leatherhead fire station, via a local radio station, a motor racing team and much more, the boys were exposed to a wealth of exciting options.

Another player with a unique takeaway from the experience, Sol Gordon, added: ‘This week has taught me a lot of things about hard work. We met so many professionals who were proof of the value in taking every chance life gives you while you still can.   

‘There’s more to life than you think, there are jobs and careers that we didn’t even know existed. It was a reminder to cherish every opportunity you get and not take life for granted.

‘I particularly enjoyed visiting Football Manager and seeing how they made the game. I was shocked that there were jobs like this you could do, that are so enjoyable and close to football.’

Carys Dalton, Head of player care at the Chelsea Academy, highlighted the importance of exposing the boys to opportunities and experiences outside of football, underlining the aim of generating interests in future careers and inspiring them to absorb new surroundings.   

‘The work experience our boys took part in last week provided insight into various career paths, from finance to radio presenting and firefighting.   

‘The boys came into the week with a fantastic attitude to trying new experiences, loaded with lots of great questions and ideas. The boys were able to reflect on what they have learnt and enjoyed most about the week, and it’s great to hear the different takeaway messages from all the boys individually."

She added: 'As we look ahead, the Academy remains dedicated to providing our young people with a wide variety of development opportunities, tools and experiences that can allow them to thrive both on and off the pitch. Above all, we hope that the boys had a memorable experience that has given them insight into the world outside of football.’