As part of its grant-giving function, Chelsea Foundation will partner with the Paul Canoville Foundation, harnessing the power of education to break down barriers and promoting diversity, inclusion and belonging for young people.

The respective Foundations are formalising their partnership following their long-standing history of working together to unify their shared mission: using education as a tool for positive change in local communities.

In its first year, the partnership will see nearly 50,000 contact hours delivered and engage with nearly 10,000 unique participants, supporting young people facing adversity and helping them to reach their full potential. The partnership will focus on educational support, skill development and inclusive empowerment to ensure young people receive equitable access to quality education and diverse perspectives.

Through support from Chelsea Foundation, the Paul Canoville Foundation will also foster civic engagement, cultural competence and community building. This will equip young people with confidence to make a positive difference in their communities.

During his time as the club’s first Black first-team player, Paul Canoville played an important part in the cherished Second Division championship-winning campaign of 1983/84, and the subsequent season back in the top flight when Chelsea were a real force.

A skilful winger capable of leaving opponents trailing in his wake, he made over 100 appearances for the club and scored some memorable goals, not least his two in a big cup-tie at Sheffield Wednesday when the Blues staged one of the all-time great comebacks from 3-0 down.

Paul said: ‘As a Chelsea fan and former player, I'm so happy to launch this partnership between the Paul Canoville Foundation and Chelsea Foundation. Through my story and the work of my foundation, we will be positively impacting thousands of children and young people in London and across the UK, which is a legacy I am excited to create alongside my colleagues. Thank you to Chelsea Foundation for this opportunity.’

Through Paul’s incredible story of resilience and place in history, the Paul Canoville Foundation strives to drive equality and diversity initiatives through education, aligning this with the Foundation’s values of allyship, belonging and community.

Laura Cordingley, chief executive of Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘We are delighted to announce this partnership with the Paul Canoville Foundation. As the first Black player for Chelsea FC’s men’s team, Paul’s endurance in breaking down barriers is something that is extremely close to our work at Chelsea Foundation.

‘We look forward to working closely with the Paul Canoville Foundation over the next three years, educating young people about racism and discrimination, as well as celebrating diversity in our local communities.’