The Foundation has worked with Cranmore School for more than 10 years, delivering after-school provision and free in-school coaching once a week to reception pupils.

The introduction of the pre-development centre programme will expand our relationship with the school and provide an opportunity of development for boys and girls of a gifted and talented nature.

As part of the programme, Foundation coaches will deliver training sessions once a week and they will be tailored to develop the technical aspects of their game as well as challenging them individually and collectively with the use of our training methods and small-sided games.

Ben Mitchell, Foundation’s Surrey development officer, said: ‘Chelsea Foundation are delighted to be able to set up this latest football programme with Cranmore.

‘This programme sees the culmination of our fantastic relationship with the staff and pupils at Cranmore to now broaden this into the local community.

‘The Centre will give both male and female football players the opportunity to fulfil their potential and we can’t wait to get started in April.’

Paul Hodgson, director of sport at Cranmore School, added: ‘We are very excited to have a new Pre-development Centre here at Cranmore.

‘The School has always had a strong tradition for football and this latest provision will help support footballers in the local area.’