Chelsea Foundation’s inaugural bursary programme, which was launched in October of 2021, is part of Chelsea’s work to help diversify football and sports more widely, both on and off the pitch, which is a central pillar of the club and Foundation’s No To Hate campaign.

Formed in partnership with the Black Collective of Media in Sports (BCOMS), an organisation on a mission to diversify the sports media in the UK, the bursary programme sets out to completely fund two students from under-represented backgrounds to complete the NCTJ course at News Associates and offer a contribution to their living expenses too.

On receiving the bursary, Joseph said, ‘I feel blessed to be selected as one of the candidates for this year’s bursary programme and I am so grateful for this opportunity given by Chelsea and BCOMS.

‘I have been aspiring to a career in sports media for a while, and the bursary programme offers me a golden opportunity to continue pursuing this. My hope is that in completing this programme, I can make a contribution to diversifying sports media, and set an example for anyone looking to follow suit.’

Sirayah shared Joseph’s excitement: ‘I am grateful to be named one of the recipients of the 2023 Chelsea x BCOMS bursary. I’m looking forward to blossoming into an esteemed and innovative sports journalist.

‘This bursary means a great deal, as it directly facilitates my hope to connect and diversify England’s sports media with the talent and perspectives of Africa and the Arab world. I feel blessed that my club and BCOMS are supporting me through this exciting chapter in my career, and I look forward to sharing my journey with you all.’

Sirayah and Joseph were among eight other candidates also interviewed for the bursary by a panel from across Chelsea FC, BCOMS and News Associates.

Chelsea communications manager Joe Bacon said: ‘Chelsea Football Club is delighted to continue our partnership with BCOMS and offer Sirayah and Joseph the opportunity to hone their burgeoning careers as journalists at News Associates.

‘It was an extremely difficult selection process, with all candidates demonstrating the future of the industry is exciting, progressive and diverse.’

Leon Mann MBE, founder of BCOMS, said: ‘BCOMS is really proud that our partnership with the Chelsea Foundation is making such an impact. The recipients of the bursary are incredibly impressive and we can see them going on to make waves in the sports media.

‘This collaboration is a powerful example of what can be achieved when the industry works together for positive change. A big thank you to Chelsea for their continued support and commitment.’

Drew Christie, chair of BCOMS, said: ‘It was a really difficult task to pick just two bursary recipients from a brilliant shortlist packed with talent. Sirayah and Joseph came through a really tough selection process and the skills and knowledge they'll gain from studying with News Associates will supercharge their growth in the industry. Thanks again to Chelsea FC for their continuing commitment to work with BCOMS to help bring greater diversity to the UK sports media.’

News Associates editorial development manager Lucy Dyer said: ‘We’re thrilled to be working with BCOMS and Chelsea FC again on this scheme. We’re really looking forward to welcoming Joseph and Sirayah on to the course next month.’

Chelsea FC, Chelsea Foundation and BCOMS have been in partnership for over three years. At every home fixture since September 2020, Chelsea FC have provided a BCOMS Masterclass student with a space in the press box at Stamford Bridge, helping provide professional access and opportunity to young aspiring journalists who might otherwise not have the chance to attend, experience and report on elite football.

This partnership was extended through the Chelsea Foundation and No To Hate campaign, when in October 2021, we launched the Journalist Bursary Programme. Since then, BCOMS and the Chelsea Foundation collaborated on an event to bring together black content creators working across football.