Chelsea Football Club and Chelsea Foundation are proud to present The Magic of Blue, a powerful new Christmas film that highlights the growing epidemic of loneliness in London and beyond.

Research commissioned by the Greater London Authority found that a large number of Londoners, 700,000, say they are ‘often or always lonely’, with 15 per cent of over-65s and nine per cent of young people spending Christmas alone according to a study by the Policy Institute at King's College London. As society becomes more digitally connected, many are feeling increasingly isolated, but football, with all its emotions and passion, offers a place to belong.

At its heart, The Magic of Blue is a story about community, imagination and the unexpected bonds that can form between strangers. It follows the story of a young girl and her elderly neighbour, both facing loneliness in different ways. When the neighbour gifts her a Chelsea shirt for Christmas, a magical journey begins - one that transforms not only her day but his as well.

The young girl, Molly, unwraps her first Chelsea shirt on Christmas morning and is instantly transported into a world of wonder and escapism. In her imagination, her London townhouse becomes a stadium; her quiet play turns into a match alongside stars like Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro, Lauren James and Naomi Girma, and her everyday surroundings transform into something truly magical.

Meanwhile, her elderly neighbour, spending Christmas alone, is surprised when Molly returns the gift by inviting him into her family home to share the joy of the season. It is a full-circle moment that captures the true meaning of togetherness and reminds us that football is more than just a game – it is a way to belong.

The Magic of Blue features cameos from Leo Woodall (A-list actor from One Day and The White Lotus) and WWE superstar Jey Uso, as well as players from Chelsea’s men’s and women’s squads including Moises Caicedo, Estevao Willian, Alejandro Garnacho and Millie Bright.

The Chelsea family are invited to join efforts in the build-up to Christmas this year and make a difference by donating thoughtful gifts that can offer comfort and joy to someone who may otherwise be spending Christmas alone.

From 20 November to 13 December, Chelsea Foundation, in partnership with the Chelsea Supporters' Trust, will host Magic of Blue collection points for supporters to donate gifts on upcoming matchdays at both Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow.

Items welcome for donation include (all gifts need to be in their original packaging and we are not able to accept food or drink items):

• Soft cosy blankets

• Unisex warm socks/slipper socks (with grip bottoms)

• Gloves

• Mittens

• Hats

• Scarves

• Craft kits

• Puzzles

• Crossword books

• Photo albums

• Notebooks

• 2026 diaries and calendars

• Posh pens

• Christmas decorations

This donation period covers the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women's Champions League games against Barcelona, Women's Super League and Premier League matches versus Everton, plus Chelsea Women's meeting with Roma and a Premier League visit by Arsenal.

At Stamford Bridge, the matchday drop-off point will be situated at Stamford Gate behind the security checkpoints. At Kingsmeadow, it will be near the merchandise outlet and ticket office. Look out for the Chelsea Foundation/Magic of Blue gazebo.

There will also be Magic of Blue roaming fundraisers giving you the chance to donate money to support loneliness. Those who will not be able to make it to Stamford Bridge or Kingsmeadow and who wish to support with an online donation can do so via this Magic of Blue donation link

As part of the campaign, a festive range featuring a Chelsea-inspired Christmas jumper (which sold out last year), winter accessories and gifting options will all be available in the Stamford Bridge Megastore and through our online store. A percentage of all sales from the club’s Christmas range will be donated to fundraising efforts, with expert charities including Age UK and Shepherd’s Star distributing donated items and funding to support those experiencing loneliness within our communities. Donated gifts will also be shared with the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust’s chosen charities.

Players from the men’s and women’s teams will learn about the work our charity partners do by spending time with beneficiaries in the build-up to Christmas, and Chelsea Foundation will once again open the doors to Stamford Bridge and welcome vulnerable members of our local community when hosting its yearly Christmas lunch.

Laura Cordingley, CEO Chelsea Foundation, said: 'The Magic of Blue is about bringing people together and spreading kindness at a time of year that can feel especially lonely.

'Recent reports have confirmed that one in nine people will be spending Christmas Day alone and so the need for connection has never been greater. This campaign celebrates the power of community. Whether that's between generations, neighbours or fans, they are all united by their love of Chelsea.

'Through initiatives like our Walking Football, we’ve seen how simple moments of connection can transform lives. After just five months engagement with the programme participants, participants who said they feel isolated had dropped from 15% to just 2.5%.

'This Christmas, we’re helping make the season a little brighter for those who need it most - because the real magic of Chelsea lies not just in football but in the compassion and togetherness of our community.'

Jess Millwood, CEO Age UK Kensington and Chelsea, added: ‘We see every day how loneliness can affect older people — especially at this time of year. Partnering with the Chelsea Foundation on The Magic of Blue helps us end this crisis hidden in plain sight and reminds us of the incredible power of community, kindness, and connection to bring people together.'

The Magic of Blue follows Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation’s 2024 festive campaign Wrap Up Warm, which saw over £90,000 raised and 3,600 items of warm clothing donated to support those in London affected by homelessness.