The event formed part of Chelsea Foundation’s 5000 project, which was announced on International Women’s Day in March, and offers young girls their first experience of football.

The students participated in a range of football activities before being surprised by Chelsea first-team players Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Aniek Nouwen.

Kaneryd and Nouwen joined the girls for a Q&A before watching the young players in action.

Kaneryd said: ‘When I was these girls' ages, I would have loved to be able to come to a big club like Chelsea and have a session at the training ground. It’s amazing and you can see the girls are super happy.’  

Steve Shipp, football projects manager at Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘This was the first football festival we have held at the training ground as part of the 5000 project, which has been fantastic and so inspiring for those young girls to meet their heroes.

‘Chelsea are the trailblazers for the next generation of female footballers. Thanks tothe 5000 project some of the next generation have had the opportunity to experience the training ground, the coaching from our fantastic Chelsea Foundation coaches and leave here with a smile on their faces.’

Chelsea Foundation’s football festivals as part of the 5000 project will be taking place in Surrey and London throughout 2024. To sign up, please email: [email protected]