Only eight per cent of those employed in the creative industry are from underrepresented backgrounds, a lack of diversity which is mirrored in roles behind the scenes in the football industry. The Blue Creator Fund aims to disrupt this and establish Chelsea’s and VERSUS’ shared ambition to diversify football on and off the pitch.

After receiving over 1,000 applications, the fund was awarded to aspiring jewellery designer Becky Gordon and emerging film director Xaymaca Awoyungbo (pictured top on stage at the event). Becky has created Unsung, a capsule collection of Chelsea signet rings to champion 100 unsung heroes of Chelsea's community. Xaymaca has explored what it means to be Black and a Chelsea fan in his documentary film Blue is the Colour.

Becky and Xaymaca showcased their projects at the Saatchi Gallery to a room of creators from Chelsea FC, football and the wider creative community. During the event, hosted by Mayowa Quadri, a Blue Creator Fund ambassador and head of brand at VERSUS, both winners explained what the Blue Creator Fund means to them.

Xaymaca said, ‘The Blue Creator Fund gives fans a voice to tell their stories. With the support of Chelsea and the ambassadors, I've experienced the full production process and used the opportunity to tell a story that challenges Chelsea, football and Britain as a whole.’

• Chelsea's Community Champions

Becky echoed that praise, saying: ‘Winning the Blue Creator Fund and working with Chelsea has been an incredible experience. Choosing 100 Community Champions was a privilege but a challenge too, as there are so many inspirational people in the Chelsea community who should be championed for what they do for our club.

‘The Blue Creator Fund is such a unique programme because it acknowledges the potential for culture change in football whilst also giving an opportunity to nurture a new generation of creatives with a passion for the game.’

Barbara Charone, Chelsea FC director and trustee of Chelsea Foundation, announced the extension of the Blue Creator Fund for a second year. ‘The Blue Creator Fund is such an important initiative providing young people with the opportunity to believe in themselves,’ she said, ‘and we are delighted to be extending the Blue Creator Fund to be working with five young people next year.

‘This is about creating a level playing field off the pitch and changing the culture of the game – a core focus of Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation.’

Earlier this week, Chelsea Foundation invited schools and sixth forms local to Stamford Bridge to hear from Becky and Xaymaca about their experience of the Blue Creator Fund. Both winners presented their projects and experience to encourage young students to apply for next year’s cohort. Reece James and Marc Cucurella both took part in the event, awarding the winners a signed Chelsea shirt as a keepsake to remember their incredible journeys.

On partnering with Chelsea on the Blue Creator Fund, Mayowa Quadri said, ‘VERSUS is extremely proud to be partnering with Chelsea. We make it our company mission to build a better world for football – one built on inclusivity and accessibility for all – and this new project will help to do just that.

‘Both Becky and Xaymaca are testament to what happens when creativity is given a chance. They have not only created amazing projects but have also benefited the communities around them. The hope is for others to get that opportunity and to build a more diverse industry of creatives.’