The announcement commits the Chelsea Foundation and Chelsea Football Club to a long-term partnership with JESB, with the amount to be spread across five years.

JESB was set up in memory of Jamal Edwards MBE, a pioneering entrepreneur who created the award-winning digital platform for undiscovered musicians, SBTV. Jamal was responsible for the launch of many UK artists, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Dave and Jessie J. A lifelong Chelsea fan, Jamal had worked with the club on a number of initiatives and was a pillar of the Chelsea community, adored by fans at home and away.

Following Jamal’s sudden death in 2022 at the age of 31, his mother Brenda and sister Tanisha launched JESB to continue Jamal’s vision of unlocking purpose in young people through self belief. JESB’s key priorities are: creating career opportunities for underrepresented talent; tackling the care crisis; and improving the lives of communities through creating safe spaces.

Through the partnership, Chelsea Foundation will support a number of JESB’s key initiatives. These include: the Self Belief Sanctuary, a programme to house young people at risk of homelessness; and the Self Belief Community Hub, a community space in West London for young and old to come together. Chelsea Foundation staff members will also deliver educational, career and football workshops at the Self Belief Community Hub.

Further to Chelsea Foundation’s £1 million donation, Chelsea Football Club have committed to annually funding 31 apprenticeships for the duration of the five-year commitment. These apprenticeships will be delivered through JESB to enable underrepresented young people to access fulfilling careers across a range of industries. 

Speaking on the donation, Barbara Charone, Chelsea FC Director and Trustee of the Chelsea Foundation, said: 'We are thrilled to be partnering with the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust in honour of Chelsea legend, Jamal Edwards.

'Jamal was woven into the fabric of our community at Chelsea and we feel his loss at our club everyday. We are so honoured to be able to continue supporting the causes that mattered the most to him.

'Like Jamal and JESB, at Chelsea Foundation we are passionate about offering funding and opportunity to those from underrepresented backgrounds and strongly believe in the importance of investing in the youth and the leaders of tomorrow. We are so excited to work together over the next five years to ensure maximum impact for young people across our communities.'

Brenda Edwards, Jamal’s Mother and Founder & Chair of JESB, said: 'I know just how much Chelsea FC meant to Jamal and how from a young age he was devoted to the Club. I wear Chelsea Blue every day in memory of my son and we have also designed the JESB Trust Logo in the same colour.  So I cannot think of a more fitting partnership to ensure the commitment that Jamal made to bringing purpose to young people through Self Belief lives on.'

Chelsea men’s captain, Reece James, shared his support of the partnership: 'I am so proud that Chelsea Foundation and Chelsea Football Club are supporting the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, who help so many young people across our communities.

'I was lucky enough to meet Jamal on a few occasions. He was a pillar of the community and touched the lives of so many people. It’s wonderful to see my club supporting the causes that he championed throughout his life.'

Chelsea women’s captain and Trustee of Chelsea Foundation, Millie Bright, echoed Reece’s support. Millie stated: 'Jamal was one of the most humble and selfless people I’ve ever met. He touched the lives of so many and was taken from us far too soon.

'It’s been amazing to take on a Trustee role at the Chelsea Foundation and I am so excited we have been able to support Jamal and his legacy through this donation and five-year partnership.'