The Chelsea Foundation introduced its first bursary programme in October 2021 as a key component of the club and Foundation's No To Hate campaign, emphasising the commitment to promoting diversity in football and sports both on and off the field.

Formed in partnership with the Black Collective of Media in Sports (BCOMS), an organisation dedicated to diversifying the UK sports media landscape, the programme aims to fully finance the NCTJ course at News Associates for students from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as providing financial support for their living expenses.

Chelsea Football Club, Chelsea Foundation and BCOMS have a long-standing relationship and commitment to diversifying the sports journalism landscape. At every home fixture since September 2020, Chelsea FC has provided a BCOMS Masterclass student with a space in the press box at Stamford Bridge, helping provide professional access and opportunity to young aspiring journalists who might otherwise not have the chance to attend, experience and report on elite football.

This partnership was extended through the Chelsea Foundation and No To Hate campaign, when in October 2021, we launched the Journalist Bursary Programme.

On being a recipient of this year’s bursary, David said, ‘It’s a blessing to access this opportunity. After speaking to previous recipients of this bursary, I recognise the NCTJ’s value as a foundational tool that will help propel me to achieve my dream career. This is the ideal first step in my journey and I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.’

Rosa commented on being selected for the programme, saying ‘It’s a dream come true to pursue a journalism course with the support of a bursary from my childhood club!

‘It means a lot because it shows belief in my potential to make a meaningful impact in the world of journalism and represents a stepping stone towards achieving my aspirations in the field while also highlighting the importance of diversity, inclusion and representation in the media.’

Liberty shared Rosa and David’s excitement, adding ‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from everyone involved with the bursary. This opportunity will allow me to grow in this field and access new heights that wouldn’t have been possible without it.’

Leon Mann MBE, founder of BCOMS, said: ‘We are delighted to be going into a third year in partnership with Chelsea. The club really are backing their words with meaningful action and collaboration.

‘The very competitive process to select Rosa, David and Liberty and the success of those who have previously been awarded the bursary is proof that we genuinely make a difference to people’s Iives and the wider media industry. Thank you, Chelsea.’

Drew Christie, chair of BCOMS, said: ‘It was fantastic to partner with the Chelsea Foundation for a third year - and we're delighted that this time around we've been able to award bursaries to three talented young sports journalists!

‘The top-tier training and guidance they'll receive at News Associates will supercharge their career development in the UK sports media. We're excited by what the future holds for Rosa, David and Liberty.’

News Associates editorial development director Lucy Dyer added: ‘We are delighted to once again be able to work with the bright young minds we’ve been so lucky to meet via this scheme with BCOMS and the Chelsea Foundation.

‘David, Rosa and Liberty all showed immense enthusiasm and we are looking forward to welcoming them to our team at News Associates and seeing what else they can achieve with an NCTJ Diploma.’