The youth inclusion team at Chelsea Foundation began their celebrations back in February when renowned author Michelle Moore collaborated with the Foundation to speak to participants from our inclusion programmes on resilience and how everyone can become conscious leaders.

Michelle openly discussed her experiences of being from an ethnically and culturally diverse community in sport.

Sian Bah, who attended the event, said: ‘The Michelle Moore event was amazing; I was able to have a one-to-one with Michelle about her journey and why she wanted to write a book. She gave me some key personal advice for my future that I will never forget!’

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day was allyship, a key topic which was discussed in-depth at all events.

The next event our Foundation’s inclusion department hosted was the Women in Football Panel at Stamford Bridge on 9 March. Broadcasters including Sky Sports’ Nicole Holliday and freelancer Flo Lloyd-Hughes joined Marva and Lauren Swick on a panel to open up on the barriers affecting women in sport and how young females can get their foot in the industry.

More than 20 participants from our Premier League Kicks programme were in attendance on the day and engaged in positive conversations around the topic, leaving the young people inspired.

Reflecting on the panel, Callum Salhotra, senior youth inclusion officer added: ‘To host such amazing names was a fantastic way to celebrate International Women’s Day for the Kicks programme.‘The panellists were inspiring to many of our young women who want to be involved in the game and to overcome the barriers of being a woman within football.’

The final activity surrounding International Women’s Day took place at the pitches next to Kingsmeadow, the home of Chelsea FC Women. Female Kicks participants joined up with the Health & Wellbeing walking football team to take part in a friendly kickabout ahead of Chelsea Women’s fixture against Aston Villa.

The game provided an opportunity for two generations to show allyship and come together as women who enjoy playing and watching football.

Following the game, which was enjoyed by participants of all ages, both groups then watched Emma Hayes’ side beat Aston Villa in dramatic fashion as Sam Kerr scored a last-gasp 92nd-minute winner.

Ellie Lock, Chelsea Foundation’s health and wellbeing project officer, said: ‘This event was really great to be a part of, watching the walking footballers teaching the girls not only how to play walking football but to socialise and get to know one another was lovely.

‘All participants were asking for a rematch at another location in the future which I think shows how much it was enjoyed by all.’