The Edge of the Box Club is Chelsea Foundation’s business-focused initiative, offering monthly networking opportunities as well as bespoke learning sessions for local entrepreneurs. Launched in 2015, the initiative has seen an impressive 7,000 business start-ups attend the programme since its inception.

Sixty local entrepreneurs attend April’s event and took part in a networking session and a roundtable scenario-based discussion on subjects including growing a business, access to funding and mental health in entrepreneurship. The audience then had the chance to hear from Johnson about his experience in the business world.

The former full-back retired in 2018 and since hanging up his boots has gone on to build successful businesses including in the property and horse-breeding industries.

Speaking on this transition, Johnson said: ‘I started a few businesses early on whilst I was playing football. I took my time, doing some courses and learning from others, so it wasn’t like I had to jump in the deep end when I retired. I would say running a business is more like a manager’s role in football than a player so that was the biggest learning curve.’

Businesswoman Crystal said of the event: ‘It is great bringing local entrepreneurs together. It was a really enjoyable experience and I liked the varied elements of the day, the networking tables and being able to display aspects of our business as well as the discussion with Glen. The roundtable was excellent, I found it really interesting learning about everyone's experience.’

The Edge of the Box Club is supported by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association and is administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund.