The personal development programme, funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) through the Premier League Charitable Fund, uses the power of football in educational settings to inspire young people aged 11-18 to reach their full potential.

Across the 2023/24 season, the Chelsea Foundation delivered 1,015 Premier League Inspires sessions, across 10 schools in London and Surrey.

The core programme consists of a wide variety of topics relating to real-life learning, with the Chelsea Foundation supporting schools for the whole academic year to achieve a wide range of outcomes, such as developing skills and knowledge, improving confidence and self-esteem, and creating more positive attitudes among participants.

The programme also includes the Premier League Inspires Challenge, which this year focused on mental health.

One of the schools involved was The Winston Churchill School, who had three students subsequently chosen to represent the Chelsea Foundation in the National Premier League Inspires Challenge Final at Wembley Stadium.

The students were selected after progressing from a school final held at Stamford Bridge, where they showcased their ‘pride in our period’ campaign, aiming to reduce anxiety and depression amongst females surrounding periods, while educating males and addressing stigmas.

The group also had the opportunity to present their campaign to Chelsea Academy player Somto Boniface, and visited Anfield to share their ideas with the Liverpool Foundation.

During the 2023/24 season, the Chelsea Foundation’s Premier League Inspires Challenge programme also saw a range of social actions implemented, including Tomlinscote School tackling eating disorders with a healthy cookbook and engaging assemblies, while The Winston Churchill School also established a Male Mental Health support group and organised a teacher-versus-teacher football match to raise funds.

Uniquely, the Chelsea Under-15s team hosted a successful football tournament at the training ground, involving 16 local grassroots teams and raising money for Mind. This stemmed from the team being involved in the challenge from the outset, providing the squad with vital learning experiences along the way.

Sam Mardle, Schools Education Manager at the Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘The Premier League Inspires programme remains a crucial aspect of our educational delivery at the Chelsea Foundation.

'As it has done this season, the programme continues to create life-changing opportunities for young people who need additional support and provides them with skills that will help them in their future.’