We launched a unique partnership in November 2015 when NIST International School became the home of our youth football development programme in Thailand, which was the first of its kind.

The partnership has offered an array of football opportunities which players, coaches and spectators have been able to benefit from.

The football development programme has inspired many boys and girls to try the sport for the first time, with players given opportunities to grow as individuals and as team-mates.

Participants have been able to take part in exciting events like the Global Goals World Cup, national and international tournaments, while some players have also had the opportunity to visit the home of Chelsea Football Club.

In addition to this, there have been visits from Chelsea legends Michael Essien and Paulo Ferreira, as well as the Premier League trophy in 2017, all of which have helped the Chelsea Foundation and NIST International School secure the SPIA Award for Best Youth Development Programme in Asia.

Chelsea Foundation senior technical support officer, Max Fouracre, said: ‘I have been to Thailand now on numerous occasions for the club and every time I come back, it is great to see and feel the passion for football within the local communities continue to grow and also see our programme grow respectively to help give the players and coaches a platform to be the best they can.

‘This is down to the fantastic work that our coaches do every single day of the week, working tirelessly both on and off the field, to give everyone involved with the programme a truly memorable experience and the opportunity to train in a fun and safe environment, which is an exact replica of the way it is done back in England.’

The Chelsea Foundation has also supported students who are part of the school's NIST Falcons teams, with weekly training sessions when in season including match and tournament support.

Throughout the years, the Foundation has offered ongoing professional development for the teacher coaches whilst winning several BISAC competitions along the way, as well as the 2017 boys varsity team winning SEASAC.

We have also seen other successes with players going onto achieve scholarships in America, as well as players representing the Thai National team at their respective age groups, to coaches now working with Thai Premier League teams.

Fouracre added: ‘The biggest takeaway from this programme for me is the culture that has been created here in Thailand through the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, giving parents, coaches and players the chance to belong to the Chelsea family.

‘Through our really impactful and positive partnerships, Chelsea FC Foundation remain committed to the Thai community and plan to continue to expand our programmes here in Thailand and through the APAC region to help grow our Chelsea family.’