Chelsea Foundation’s pan-disability team enjoyed victory in the Football Is More Special Adventure Camp tournament in Liechtenstein, beating Benfica 3-1 in the final.
The squad remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, with captain Gareth Canning also scoring his 100th career goal for Chelsea Foundation.
Gareth said: 'To be selected to travel abroad to represent the club is always an honour. Every player on this trip to Liechtenstein recognised the opportunity and took it with both hands, showing excellent levels of football ability and sportsmanship. The togetherness of the team was most evident and for myself to score my 100th goal for the club was an incredible moment.
‘Being involved with Chelsea Foundation has enabled me to live out a dream of being a footballer whilst living with a lifelong impairment in cerebral palsy. I've always viewed representing the club to be an opportunity and a privilege, so to have achieved this milestone means an incredible amount to me in my life journey.'
Over 100 participants took part in the tournament, including teams from Paris Saint-Germain, VfB Stuttgart, and FC Koln.
Throughout the week, Chelsea Foundation also took part in a range of inclusive training sessions and workshops with other clubs, local schools and other organisations, providing various learning opportunities for players and staff.
Ellie Crabb, inclusion and disability senior officer at Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘I’m always incredibly proud of the players who represent Chelsea Foundation, not just on the football pitch but how they conduct themselves off it as well. We know the opportunity to travel away on a football tour like a professional football club is a real highlight of the year. I take immense pride in leading the group with a dedicated team of staff.
‘To be able to connect with other clubs in our industry is a fantastic opportunity, so congratulations to the staff and players who through their dedication make events like this possible, and a huge thank you to Football is More who provide this outstanding opportunity.’