Before completing their graduation which was hosted by the Street Soccer Academy, the teams went up against each other in a one-off match, with Chelsea securing victory. 

Chelsea Foundation’s weekly Street Soccer Academy has been taking place every Tuesday at Stamford Bridge with all attendees consisting of refugees or asylum seekers. The programme gives participants an opportunity to improve their English while building and developing life skills such as confidence, resilience and teamwork.  

Street Soccer Academy work with several football clubs all over the country, engaging young adults from various disadvantaged communities and equipping them with the tools needed to improve their overall quality and outlook towards life and future prospects.  

Melisa Muhanguzi, senior project officer for Chelsea FC Foundation, said: 'There are so many valuable lessons that Street Soccer can teach – not just to participants, but facilitators too. Not only has the participants' level of English increased, but my Arabic has slightly improved too thanks to them. We can all learn something from each other.'  

Keith Mabbutt, CEO of Street Soccer Foundation added: 'I’m so proud of this latest Chelsea Street Soccer Academy group. With the course, the overarching aim is to help young participants improve their mindset, to build confidence, self-belief and aspiration.  

'With this group in particular, not only that, they’ve improved their English language skills too, and shown great commitment to improve overall. Coming together as they have done, and to go on to win the Street Soccer Champions Cup versus the West Ham Utd Street Soccer Academy team was the icing on the cake.'

For more of information on similar programmes specifically for vulnerable people, please contact [email protected]