The virtual sessions began last week with staff using our ‘Extra Time’ online education resource as a means to engage on a range of subjects with children of NHS workers and other key groups who continue to attend school during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

For the children still attending Holy Cross Primary School in Parsons Green, there was a surprise when Chelsea and England midfielder Loftus-Cheek appeared on screen for a quick Q&A in support of the Foundation’s work.

Another international, Telford, also joined the fun with the Blues goalkeeper taking time out of her individual training schedule to join children at another school where she spoke about her best save, her most memorable game and how she only eats brussel sprouts on Christmas Day!

Loftus-Cheek said: ‘It was great to speak with the children through the virtual classroom and they had some pretty tough questions for me!

‘It’s a difficult time at the moment for everyone, and of course these children are the children of key workers so I was more than happy to jump on to the call and spend some time speaking with them.

‘It’s great to see the Chelsea Foundation finding new ways of engaging with our supporters during this difficult time and I was delighted to be a part of that today.'

Telford added: ‘It was great to see so many smiles during tough circumstances, the teachers and the children actually made my day with their questions.

‘It’s important to stay connected as a community, and if we can’t do that in person, doing it virtually is a great way.

‘When things get easier I hope we get to meet the children and teachers from the school to say thanks for allowing me to be part of their day.’

Our education staff and football coaches are regulars in schools across London and the South-East but in the wake of the current pandemic, have had to adapt their delivery methods in line with social distancing measure in place.

Head of education and innovation Sam Gaskin-Kemp said: ‘Delivering the virtual classroom sessions has been a great way for the Foundation to continue our work in our communities and keep in touch with our schools and the children at such a challenging time.

Having the players come into the sessions has been excellent and has really added the "wow" factor to what we have been doing.’