The collaboration, which will begin in September, will provide the best-in-class service for their students whilst also offering a variety of exit routes into further education and the sports industry.

As part of the link-up with King Henry School, a Foundation project officer will lead the programme and oversee both the school's male and female football teams.

Each team will train for 90 minutes after school four days a week, while our sessional coaches will provide an after-school club to the younger students to allow the younger year groups to engage with the Chelsea Foundation.

Both the male and female teams will play in the National Football Youth League and the programme will also develop positive pathways for the students in the form of coaching badges, mentoring, and providing bi-weekly feedback.

Phil Hastings, Chelsea Foundation head of region, south east, said: ‘We are delighted to be a part of the collaboration and association with the Odyssey Trust and King Henry school.

‘We are also looking forward to helping and developing the community as well as having a successful season in the National Football Youth League.’

Headteacher at King Henry School, Rob Leitch, added: ‘I am delighted to welcome Chelsea FC Foundation to King Henry school, part of the Odyssey Trust for Education.

‘This collaboration will bring enormous benefits to our Academy players and the wider school. Blue is truly the colour for everyone at King Henry.’