The Chelsea Women forward met young female players from around the world as they took part in a session at our training ground with coaches from the Foundation.

They were visiting as part of the Nike Girls’ Football Camps, which offers girls aged 12 to 17 the chance live and train like a professional during a stay at Charterhouse School, which includes spending a day training at Cobham as well as a trip to Stamford Bridge and, this year, getting to watch games at Euro 2022 live.

Participants on the camp, which runs alongside a boys’ football camp programme, gain insight into life at Chelsea through daily coaching and talks from specialist club staff, in addition to the unique opportunity to receive advice from a professional Blues player in James.

‘It was great,’ said James. ‘It’s so nice to see a lot of girls come together and starting to play football because growing up the majority of the time you just saw loads of young boys playing so it’s nice to see that the game’s growing and more girls are wanting to play.

‘I think the opportunities now to come over from abroad to train at the clubs they love and support, it gives you goals in life, because you want to play for that club.’

She has also been watching this summer’s European Championship as the continent’s top international teams go head to head, enjoying the quality on display and cheering on her Blues team-mates competing in the tournament.

James also believes it has been another opportunity to give the women’s game a boost, as we have seen after previous international tournaments, especially with hosts England reaching Sunday’s final.

‘I’ve watched most games of the Euros. It’s been a good tournament, I think it’s been a good opportunity to grow in England and obviously in other countries, for those watching. The quality’s been good, it’s been competitive and we’ll see who wins.’

Although she has not been involved in the Euros herself, she has taken the chance relax over the summer and is looking forward to the upcoming campaign, which begins with a home game against West Ham United on 11 September at Stamford Bridge.

James is especially excited for the new season and the chance to make an impact, given that injury meant she missed large parts of our Women’s Super League and Women’s FA Cup triumphs in 2021/22, but she is hoping the hit the ground running this time around in her second year with the Blues.

‘My summer was lovely,’ she added. ‘I got time to switch off, reset and recharge, so now I’m feeling good and ready to go again for this season.

‘I’m looking forward to starting the season and getting back on the pitch with the girls. It’s kind of like a fresh start for me to just have a good, solid pre-season. I’m looking forward to it.’