The Chelsea Foundation’s international development coaches are working with The St. James to deliver advanced player clinics and performance programmes along with goalkeeping and striker clinics at The St. James’ first-class facilities across this week. The two organisations will also be partnering to deliver camps throughout the summer.

Coaches also collaborated in a coach education activity, with Chelsea Foundation delivering an introduction to Chelsea FC along with a session planning workshop.

Ian Woodroffe, international development manager at the Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘It is fantastic to be working alongside The St. James this week and throughout the summer. We use the power of the Chelsea badge to deliver football coaching across the globe, and by aligning with one of the most esteemed youth sports academies in the United States, we hope to increase our presence here even further.

‘The St. James’ world-class facilities offer a perfect platform to deliver our industry-leading programmes to young people across Washington D.C. We look forward to expanding this exciting partnership across the region in the future and welcoming participants to the home of Chelsea at our iconic training ground in England.’

Craig Dixon, co-founder and co-CEO of The St. James, said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to kick off this week’s exciting collaboration with Chelsea FC. The Chelsea FC and The St. James partnership will be a game changer for young soccer enthusiasts in the US. Our Flagship location and Performance Clubs are buzzing with the energy of these player clinics, performance programmes, specialised clinics and summer camps. This week marks the beginning of an incredible journey and we can’t wait to witness the positive impact it will have on aspiring athletes.’

The Chelsea FC and The St. James programme will help players of all abilities, beginner or experienced, develop their soccer skills, while providing them with tools to take their game to the next level.

To find out more and book onto any of the programmes, click here.

Amongst the activity, Chelsea international development coaches also delivered an exclusive football session for The St. James FC Virginia, working with over 50 girls aged between 13-15 years old.

Bobby Puppione, girls academy director for The St. James FC Virginia, said: ‘It’s great that Chelsea FC are over in the United States working with The St. James, and as part of that bringing one of the best football clubs in the world working with what we believe to be one of the best girls' clubs in the United States.’