corporate social responsibility report for the 2008/09 season CONTENTS 04 Executive Summary Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck reveals how the club’s charity work is improving the lives of people both at home and abroad 08 Social Inclusion Kickz programme is changing the lives of hundreds of children in London 10 Charities Four-year relationship with CLIC Sargent raises millions to support children fighting cancer 14 Football in the Community Blue Pitches scheme provides opportunities for youngsters to get into the game 22 Education Club offers programmes for young and old alike, using football to enhance the experience 28 Anti-discrimination Chelsea’s support for vehicles such as Kick It Out in building tolerance in society 32 Environment Award-winning ways in which Chelsea has reduced its carbon footprint 34 Promoting Engagement Ways in which supporters can have their say on how the club conducts itself 38 Promoting Healthy Living Highlighting issues which can affect the well-being of men and encouraging exercise

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OUR COMMITMENT TO HELPING COMMUNITIES IS A WINNER

Chairman Bruce Buck reflects on how our Corporate Social Responsibility work has helped improve lives not only at home but throughout the world

The 2008/09 season marked turnover into community and good Partnership Award for our work another hugely successful year causes – three-and-a-half times higher helping prevent conflict, poverty for Chelsea Football Club’s Corporate than UN guidelines. and disease in Africa and Asia. This Social Responsibility (CSR) work, with The 2008/09 season also marked engaged 700,000 people every record figures for both participation the final year of our partnership with week in 23 of the poorest countries rates and CSR investment. CLIC Sargent, which helped raise in the world. Once again, the club’s success on more than £2million over its four-year Our environmental work was also the pitch was matched with world- duration to assist families battling recognised by the Mayor of London class programmes in our communities. against childhood cancer. Boris Johnson, who awarded Chelsea In addition to building on the work The partnership helped establish the Silver Standard for our work carried out in our traditional areas CLIC Sargent as the leading children’s engaging staff and fans to help reduce of London and Surrey, the club also cancer charity in the country and we the carbon footprint of the club. expanded its CSR activities into Essex, thank everyone at the organisation We were also delighted to be Sussex and Hampshire. Through the for their hard work and commitment the first, and still the only club, to implementation of our soccer schools, in helping to alleviate the suffering proactively tackle the lack of Asian coaching clinics and outstanding social of the thousands of children and players within the game with our inclusion and community initiatives, young people diagnosed with cancer ground-breaking Search for an Asian this proved an instant success. every year. Star initiative. In the first year of the Every week during the season, an While we said goodbye to CLIC programme, two young players went average of 17,903 young people in Sargent, we were delighted to on to play football in professional London and the South-East were welcome Help a London Child into the Academies and hundreds more were engaged on our programmes which Chelsea family. They are an amazing encouraged to join local affiliated provided coaching, social inclusion organisation that provides grants to clubs in their area. initiatives, education and healthy help alleviate poverty right here in This CSR report is not meant to be lifestyle information. London. We are sure the partnership a definitive list of every course, This means that throughout the will be a huge success. initiative and coaching session we campaign almost 900,000 young Of particular pride to the club run but a snapshot of our work and people – regardless of age, race or was that our work was recognised its impact on our community, our fans ability – benefited from one or more on a domestic and international and our club. of our schemes. level. We were proud to receive the However, we hope that the pride Over the course of the season the Intermediate Award from Kick it Out with which we view this work, along club’s CSR investment was an amazing for our work tackling racism and with our passion and commitment in £5.7million, including £1.6million discrimination both at Stamford Bridge helping to create better communities raised directly for charities. Once and in our communities. at home and abroad, comes through again, this more than exceeded the The club swept up half the loud and clear. United Nations recommendation of honours at the Positive Futures 0.8 per cent investment of turnover National Awards ceremony, while the in CSR. During the 2008/09 season, Score4Africa charity chose Chelsea Chelsea invested 2.8 per cent of and Right To Play as winners of the

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winners prove an inspiration POSITIVE FUTURES Yusuf Jimacale and Ricky Dewey During the 2008/09 season, representative of the great work started out as participants on one of Chelsea’s community coaches we as a club do with the community the club’s anti-offending initiatives, were rewarded with four out of the and London as a whole,” he said. designed to divert young people away eight Positive Futures awards at a “Our award winners deserve from crime and anti-social behaviour. ceremony held at the Park Plaza Hotel recognition for their hard work. The They excelled to such an extent in London. role model thing does work, so you that they became FITC coaches on The vital contributions made by can see there is a path to progress to their local schemes, giving other Yusuf Jimacale, Ricky Dewey and work for a club like Chelsea. young people the opportunities they Billy Thomson were acknowledged “Yusuf is now president of his themselves embraced. for their dedication and determination student union and plays for the Yusuf, 17, came to our to improve both themselves and their college football team; these are all Hammersmith & Fulham Kickz programme through a love of football. communities. traits that show the leadership which He went on to be the driving force Chelsea FC Football in the goes with the club’s identity, as well behind his college football team and Community (FITC) pact officer Ian as ours at FITC.” also took an introductory course in Jordan also won the special award for youth work. exceptional contributions to young “What inspired me to do this is people’s development. Recognition: Chelsea coaching sessions are renowned for helping just the work that the coaches do. We “It’s a great honour to be a children develop their skills don’t just cover football, we actually have one-on-ones with the children and find out what they want to do,” said Yusuf. “It is just good to get credit for the Chat: John Mikel Obi meets young people work we have been doing. You can from Chelsea’s Prince’s Trust scheme inspire other kids to do it because, once they see what I have achieved through voluntary work, maybe they will do the same.” Ricky, aged 19, initially started MIKEL HOSTS PRINCE’S TRUST as a participant on our Wandsworth Positive Futures scheme. Young people from Chelsea’s The programme culminated in a confidence, motivation, teamwork After completing a Prince’s Trust Prince’s Trust scheme were visit to Cobham where the youngsters and communication. During the course and both Level 1 and 2 FA guests of honour at our training enjoyed a coaching session and a course, young people take part in a coaching qualifications, he went on to ground, joining John Mikel Obi to healthy-eating workshop. But the team-building residential week and be a coach on our Positive Futures & celebrate the completion of their 12- ultimate prize was the opportunity to carry out projects which benefit the Kickz social inclusion projects. week personal development course. interview our midfield star John Mikel local community. “The main thing that inspired me The club has been working with the Obi, who was delighted to help out. They also undertake work was getting on the right path,” he said. “To me the award is a big step Trust since 1999. In that time, the “It’s great that Chelsea are involved experience and increase their forward. It is a bigger incentive; it club has supported more than 25 with things like this that give kids employability by producing up-to- makes you that bit more motivated, I team programmes. This has helped a chance to help themselves and date CVs, as well as identifying know I can still go further as well.” more than 300 young people, to get away from the street, drugs their progression routes to including six former participants and crime. I love things like this and employment or education on currently working with club’s players really enjoy getting involved,” completion of the programme. community department and at the he said. The young people then work Millennium and Copthorne hotels at Marion Walker from the Prince’s towards a nationally-recognised Stamford Bridge. Trust football programme added: City & Guilds qualification and The season saw Chelsea supporting “Football has the ability to unite key skill units. a wide range of Prince’s Trust people from all different backgrounds Almost three in four young people initiatives, including behind-the-scenes and communities and develops key the Prince’s Trust supported during the tours, exercise sessions, workshops, skills such as confidence, teamwork season moved into work, education providing signed merchandise and communication.” or training. In fact, 84 per cent of and match tickets, offering work The Initiative is a 12-week personal young people on a football-linked Delight: FITC coaches Ricky Dewey and Yusuf Jimacale experience and the use of our study development programme which programme cited the support from support centres. builds key workplace skills such as football as a motivating force.

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Through the groundbreaking Metropolitan Police assistant police “Chelsea is doing a fantastic job in KICKZ programme, Chelsea commissioner Tim Godwin to back being involved with this project. and Active Communities worked Chelsea’s efforts in aiming to improve “A lot of people criticise football for in partnership to provide a series the lives of young people in London. being a rich industry that doesn’t put of coaching and sports programmes All three attended a showcase of the enough back, but what they don’t in some of the most deprived areas KICKZ project at Stamford Bridge see is work like this. Lots of football of London. “I’m happy to be here with them,” teams are involved and we want local Hundreds of young people in the Bosingwa said “One of the first things authorities to come out and help the south-west of the capital are now I saw when I came to Chelsea was scheme as well with money. involved on the courses, which how important things like this are to “KICKZ is a fantastic project on provide not only football but street the club and the players. They are a number of levels. It teaches kids athletics and boxing. They also very important events for children self-discipline, gets them involved in include workshops on the dangers of because they give them alternatives to sport and other activities – but it also weapons, gangs, drugs and crime. drugs and crime. gets results. Where there are KICKZ Working in partnership with the “They can do something with their projects, we see significant reductions Metropolitan Police and youth lives, enjoy themselves and not get in anti-social behaviour, related crime agencies to identify estates with high into trouble. and some robbery. incidences of youth offending, the “I came from a small village, so we “It’s three nights-a-week and kids scheme has been a huge success – didn’t have the sort of trouble that that are part of it get involved in their with crime and anti-social behaviour you get in big cities. I was lucky, but if own community. dropping throughout the targeted I lived in the city it could have “A lot of people criticise kids for areas. José Bosingwa joined London’s been different.” being in gangs, but a Kickz project is deputy mayor Kit Malthouse and the Deputy mayor Malthouse added: a positive gang for kids to be involved in. It gives them a sense of family and role models to look at. “It is nice to see players showing up. Chelsea is one of the teams that take a big interest in their local CHELSEA CRIME environment. I think we all win from PROGRAMME that, Chelsea as well as the local community.” IS A KNOCKOUT

Chelsea joined with a world “It gives me a real buzz to work with Having a real impact: Boxer Richie Woodhall champion boxer to help beat young people, particularly those who sport met children on the crime in the capital. is really helping get back on the straight Ashburton estate in Former super-middleweight world and narrow,” said Woodhall. “I just talk to Wandsworth and even brought along champion Richie Woodhall dropped the kids, speak about my career, the ups his world title belt into a Chelsea community scheme and downs of my career, and get the kids to deliver a motivational talk and a into sports and exercise. boxing session to young people. “There are so many temptations around Woodhall spoke of his upbringing for teenagers these days but it’s great that in Birmingham and the dedication Chelsea and Active Communities are doing and hard work it takes to become a something that will make a real difference champion. The participants from the in their lives. Ashburton Estate in Wandsworth “Boxing helps channel aggression into the listened intently as Richie spoke right environment and it also teaches kids about his life and how sport can help to control their emotions. divert young people away from the “Chelsea want to get kids into sport, Kick-off: José Bosingwa at a Kickz showcase at Stamford Bridge, left, which was addressed by temptations of crime, drugs and whether it be football or boxing, and I am London deputy mayor Kit Malthouse, above anti-social behaviour. really pleased to be working with the club.”

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£2MILLION RAISED FOR CLIC SARGENT

Chelsea Football Club’s to help families overcome childhood and youth football clubs to hold four years working with cancer. sponsored football-themed events for CLIC Sargent as our national charity Guest of honour at the game was young people. partner were marked at our home Keller Williams, a nine-year-old who During the partnership more than game against local rivals Fulham as was diagnosed with leukaemia and 300,000 children took part in Kick for the partnership reached its conclusion. underwent gruelling treatment. Children with Cancer over the four During that time, CLIC Sargent He was joined on the pitch by his years, with more than £620,000 raised. established itself as the country’s father Ricki, CLIC Sargent’s head Sponsorship money raised by the leading childhood cancer charity, of corporate fundraising Querida campaign went directly towards helping a partnership which also helped Williams and director of fundraising children and young people living with to raise more than £2million. This Lucy Caldicott to celebrate our childhood cancer and their families. money went towards funding nurses, achievements. The charity provides all-round care for outreach workers and a variety of The club was a constant supporter young people with cancer, with specialist During the 2008/09 season more play specialists, as well as financial, of the Kick for Children with Cancer frontline staff such as nurses, social than 270 charities benefited from practical and emotional support campaign which encourages schools workers and play specialists for children. our work. From receiving signed Chelsea merchandise to matchday Partnership: CLIC Sargent collections, a total of £1.62million was the club’s national charity was raised or contributed directly partner over four years by the club for these charities. We were also proud to announce a new charity partnership with Help a London Child replacing CLIC Sargent as our national charity partner. We hope our new partnership will prove to be as big a success as the previous one...

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Promoting relations: Michael Essien on a Right to Play trip to Tamale AN EVENING TO REMEMBER in Ghana and, inset, Didier Drogba with the Score4africa award

The entire first-team squad idol. I have been a Chelsea fan since I everything they have done for us – and joined more than 300 charity was six and I loved this. hopefully we have done an awful lot workers, celebrities and supporters for “A lot of kids in our position don’t for them and the kids. the second annual Chelsea Football get the chance to go out and do “These charities make a huge Club and Armani charity fundraiser. things like this and everyone needs a difference and we are a small part of Children from Chelsea’s official little something to make them think that. If we can come along, show our charity partners CLIC Sargent and there is something better out there.” faces and invite kids to the training Right To Play joined the first team at Tiffany Bason, herself a former ground, it means the world to them. the Armani Store on Brompton Road, Chelsea Ladies Academy player before “If it gives them a small hope and a where they pitted their talents against she was diagnosed, said: “I was in the small belief, then we will continue to the players on Scalextric, computer Academy and played with a few of do that.” games, table football and pool. the ladies who were in the reserves Mike Emery, national director of Money was raised for the two and now play in the first team. Right To Play, added: “Right To Play charities via an auction hosted by “Tonight was really good. It was an is delighted to participate in this Blues skipper John Terry. Other amazing opportunity for us to meet all year’s event and would like to thank guests included former Formula One the players because it is not really an Chelsea and Armani for their incredible supremo Eddie Jordan, former Blues everyday thing, so it is really exciting. support. Money raised for Right To player Graeme Le Saux, TV presenter “Frank Lampard is my idol – I have Play programmes worldwide will Alice Beer and Lady Helen Taylor. always wanted to meet him, so when help children suffering from poverty, Young cancer patients and their I saw him I was speechless.” discrimination and war. families from CLIC Sargent greeted Terry said: “It was brilliant to come “Chelsea and Armani’s generosity will the first team when they arrived. and see the kids. It means an awful allow us to use sport and play to bring Patient Danny Stevenson, who is 22 lot for us to make money for the joy and learning to their lives.” and a football coach, said: “This is charities. We have worked for many Andrew Thomsett, who is 18 and has heaven! I was talking to Frank and JT years now with CLIC Sargent and cancer, said: “It is amazing to meet the a minute ago. John is definitely my Right To Play so we really appreciate players at such close quarters and they played games with the kids, so it is nice for everybody. “It shows that the first team care – the whole squad have turned up and they are happy to meet everybody, which is great. “It is very important, this is the second event they have organised with Chelsea and it is very good.” Shirts and posters were also sold to WORK IN AFRICA help raise money, while CLIC Sargent patron Fiona Phillips joined in the fun WINS AWARD and games. Both Chelsea Football Club and global charity partner Right to Play, awareness and helping to tackle the “It is a brilliant night and it’s great Didier Drogba were honoured recognising the power of sport to issues affecting the continent.” see the players out with the fans,” at the first annual SCORE4africa alleviate conflict, as well as promoting Every week, hundreds of thousands she said. “JT hasn’t stopped having awards hosted by Baroness Amos the development of individuals and of young Africans have their lives photos taken, talking to people and and Baroness Howell at the House communities and the prevention of transformed through the partnership signing autographs. They are brilliant of Lords. TB, malaria and HIV and Aids. of Right to Play and Chelsea. professionals and great role models for Coinciding with the start of the Kick “It’s a great honour that both me Working in 14 African countries, the all the children here.” it Out Week of Action, Chelsea picked and the club have been recognised programmes are specifically designed up the SCORE4africa Partnership by SCORE4africa,” said Drogba at to teach important skills including Award while Drogba won the People’s the ceremony. “The development leadership, teamwork, respect and Good fun for a good cause: Clockwise from top, the Armani Choice Award. of Africa is a subject very close to fair play. fundraiser saw Florent Malouda and The SCORE4africa awards honour my heart and one I am really The network and infrastructure they John Mikel Obi play racing games the huge contribution football makes passionate about. establish enable local communities to against young guests, Nicolas Anelka meeting fans and Frank to African development. The award “I think that football and the players take ownership of the programmes, Lampard signing a pool table celebrated Chelsea’s work with our can make a huge difference in raising leaving a long-lasting impact.

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PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to play sport and we have been busy developing a number of new facilities and exciting new possibilities for all players regardless of age, ability or background

BLUE PITCHES club’s community coaches to provide they could be doing. That is sporting opportunities for local beneficial to everyone.” The 2008/09 season saw parts youngsters as well as extend work in Ballack added: “The most of west London turning a little helping to tackle crime, gangs and important thing is the kids should more blue as the club teamed up with anti-social behaviour through positive have fun and we saw that. They official kit supplier and sponsor adidas engagement. should know they have space where to launch four “Blue Pitches” which In addition, local schools in the they can go in their free time and will encourage more young Londoners four areas will be offered after-school not just hang around.” to participate in grassroots sport. coaching, with education and training The locations for the new pitches Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack, days available during the holidays. are in the London boroughs of travelled to Battersea to formally “Personally, I was very fortunate Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith launch the project. where I grew up in that I had places & Fulham, Wandsworth and As well as football, the all-weather like parks to play football time and Battersea Park School. pitches can also be used for basketball time again,” said Lampard. They are free for the community and tennis. “Maybe those sort of facilities to use as part of an ongoing Chelsea’s Football in the Community have not been there for some kids. commitment from Chelsea and (FITC) programme is one of the major However, with these four new pitches, adidas to help young people beneficiaries of the new facilities, hopefully it will get kids down here become more active and make a real which will be used primarily by the playing sport instead other things difference to local communities.

Creating space: Frank Lampard at the Battersea Park School Blue Pitch in London and, right, with Michael Ballack at the launch

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New facilities at structured training sessions for local “Back in Brazil, I have helped Cheers: Belletti meets pupils Ebury Bridge from St Barnabas School, schoolchildren and young adults set up my own team to give kids left, and visitors to the new to promote healthy lifestyles and in my home town the chance to pitch, below left Juliano Belletti was guest of also extend our social inclusion play football. So, I know just how honour as he joined young programmes. important it is – not just to play people and local dignitaries to open The new facilities replaced the but to provide young people with new football facilities at Ebury Bridge, previous dilapidated pitch on the something to do in the evenings. which is just a goal-kick away from Ebury Bridge Estate. Floodlights have “If you have an opportunity to Stamford Bridge. also been added so coaching can be do this, it doesn’t matter what Funded by CityWest Homes and the continued into the evenings. country or where you are in the Football Foundation, the new facilities Juliano joined children from the world, you need to do it. now provide sporting opportunities St Barnabas School for a kick-around “Chelsea is a reference in the for residents and community groups in and said: “I know how important it is world of sport. So, if we do South Westminster. for young people to enjoy sport and, something like this, then it sets a The funding also allows Chelsea I think, on a pitch like this they are good example for other companies community coaches to provide really going to enjoy their games. and other teams will do the same.”

Unveiling: Juliano Belletti and Beavers Sport Lodge Philippa Roe, cabinet member for housing at Westminster, open the Chelsea also helped to launch new Ebury Bridge sports pitch a new facility in a west London community. Beavers Sport Lodge is set to gain from the new building and pitches opened by club ambassador Graeme Le Saux. “Community-based football is the basis for the game’s existence and engaging young people in any sport is very important because it can deliver so many things, including team building and physical activity to let off steam,” said Le Saux. “It’s important that Chelsea as a club shows on a regular basis how committed we are to community projects.” Local MP Alan Keen, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Football Group, was also in attendance and – despite being a keen Middlesbrough fan – was happy to commend Chelsea for our support. “This is going to bring the community on a deprived estate together where it has not been acting as a community for a long time. “Thank you to Chelsea for their contribution and it was great to see Graeme here. “Kids identify with Premier League clubs. If youngsters play sport together they will feel team-mates and friends and it will help bring together people from many different backgrounds.”

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New horizons: Head of Chelsea’s FITC scheme Shaun Gore at the launch of the first coaching In addition to the general soccer Saturday Morning Clubs and disability scheme for Further Education colleges schools, we have developed a leisure centre programmes were Every year hundreds of number of other initiatives. These also made available to players who thousands of boys and girls include mini-kickers, which are a fun wanted to train and keep fit during experience playing football the introduction for younger players to term time. Chelsea way. our fabulous game. A major development in the More than 200 Chelsea coaches On the programmes, they learn 2008/09 season was our club operate in London, Surrey, Sussex, through play, while also developing partnership programme. As part Essex and Hampshire, providing social interaction with their peers. of the scheme, Chelsea coaches opportunities in schools, youth clubs, Techniques, skills and rules of the work intensely with local clubs soccer schools and extra-curricular game are introduced but our ultimate and their coaches. clubs. aim is for the children to have fun The programme identifies Soccer schools are a great way for while in our care. strengths and weaknesses of team boys and girls aged between six and 14 Advanced courses are available play and develops exercises to to progress within the game. Players for players who play on a regular overcome problems and develop will experience fun educational sessions basis and new goalkeeping courses teams’ positive attributes. Coaches which are aimed at enhancing their teach players those additional vital are consulted through a series of natural development but, at the same skills such as handling, footwork practical sessions and a unique time, improve skills and techniques. and distribution. coaching programme is developed.

DISABLED coaching home and abroad. Chelsea’s disability first opportunity to take part in a team is now one of Europe’s elite competitive tournament. Chelsea host a number of squads with a host of honours to their The victorious boys’ team from specialist disability coaching name. The club’s disability coaches West Thames and the South London sessions throughout the London and players were also instrumental Terriers girls’ team were delighted to area and Surrey. in establishing two new disability be named inaugural champions. Chelsea Community FC provides tournaments in the capital. The London Special League’s Sharon football for all impairment groups – Working in conjunction with The Brockenshire praised the work of the including physical disabilities, visual London Special League, London community team. impairment and learning difficulties – Disability Sports Forum and The “Chelsea’s work here shows how for male and female players from the National Football Museum, Chelsea totally committed they are to opening age of seven upwards. launched the London FE Cup for boys up opportunities for players with Regular training sessions are and girls with disabilities. disabilities so often forgotten within organised in a number of suitable Attracting well over 100 players the game,” she said. “Chelsea’s venues in London and Surrey, from colleges and special schools programme is a tremendous scheme Developing skills: Children training while talented players are given the within the region, the day at the and you can see that everyone had with Chelsea coaches at Gibbons Recreation Park in London opportunity to play in FA-recognised Goals Centre in New Malden gave a really great time here and got a lot leagues and cup competitions both at many players and teams their out of the day.”

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NEW DISABLED PROJECTS LONDON YOUTH GAMES

The 2008/09 season also saw further projects being developed to reach new disabled players The London Youth Games are a season of events at the heart REACH TO TEACH As well as playing and training exercise. The rest of the team are of youth sport in the capital involving with his Chelsea team-mates, Ali all really good players and we have all 33 of its boroughs and 26 national In 2003, 12-year-old Ali Abbas also became part of a pilot scheme a great spirit. I enjoy training with governing bodies. was the subject of international being run by Chelsea and Tottenham them,” Ali explains. The Games are free and open to attention when he lost his parents Hotspur which aims to create a The young player now wants to use all people aged between seven and and both his arms during a missile London-wide amputee team. his status to encourage more disabled 17, living in or going to school in the attack on the Baghdad suburb where Reach to Teach is the first people to take up sport. London. In 2009, more than 45,000 he lived. Ali was flown to the UK to programme of its kind to bring “If anyone has lost a limb or participants represented their local receive specialist treatment. together two professional teams in something like that, it is not the end. borough in 30 sports. Ali is now an exhibited artist, an order to provide regular coaching and You should try and go for it. This The event has been running for 33 accomplished computer gamer and a matches for players who have lost one programme is something I would years and some former competitors talented footballer. He is also now one or more limbs. like to see in the rest of the country,” who have gone to greater glory of the first names on the team sheet “I first joined Chelsea three years he says. include Olympic 400m champion for the Chelsea pan-disablility side. ago, I enjoy playing a lot and it’s great “People should help the disabled and Christine Ohuruogu, Olympic gold give them the chance to try and live a medal-winning cyclist Bradley Wiggins normal life.” and our very own Ashley Cole. Rob Seale, who runs Chelsea’s Chelsea is proud of our ongoing disabled programmes, said: “Chelsea commitment to the games as sponsors have been very supportive over the of the Kensington and Chelsea and past seven years or so. It’s good that Hammersmith and Fulham teams. such a big club has been involved right The 2008/09 event saw the from the start. Kensington and Chelsea team coming “Ali has been getting on really well. first in the floor and vault in female It’s good to have someone like him gymnastics, as well as second in the playing, not only because he is a good kayak slalom, squash and female player but also to help raise the profile volleyball and third in male volleyball, of the sport. He has been involved for basketball and football tournament. some time and has been progressing Hammersmith and Fulham also within the team. Ali is a pleasure to scored silver in the boccia and female work with. Occasion: Chelsea’s Rob Seale floor and vault. “We’ve got nine disabled teams at coaching during the event Chelsea of all ages and are looking to to celebrate the Paralympic Handover Ceremony at Canons expand to other areas of the country Leisure Centre in Mitcham so, wherever we can help a disabled person, we will do all we can.” Tottenham coach Gareth Jones Chelsea celebrate Day Care Centres throughout added: “This is an excellent scheme. Paralympics handover the borough to promote the At Spurs we are proud of the Reach to opportunities that are available Teach programme and it’s great that Chelsea celebrated the locally and to help build on the Chelsea are involved as well. handover of the Paralympics by legacy of the 2012 Olympics “The programme is a great way hosting a range of sports for people and Paralympics,” she says. for clubs and organisations to work with a wide range of disabilities. “Chelsea have been a great together and create opportunities More than 60 people from the support, they have been able to for people with disabilities to play local area joined our coaches to mark provide taster sessions and we football.” the handover for the London 2012 wouldn’t be able to offer this Olympics and Paralympics. opportunity without them. Cassie Bridger, development officer “In terms of the club, for Greenwich Leisure Limited, helped they show the possibilities, organise the occasion. opportunities and the potential Recognition: London Inspiration: Ali Abbas, who lost Youth Games both limbs in a missile attack in “We wanted to provide a range of available through it for other disability Iraq, now plays for Chelsea free activities for local schools and sport teams in the area.”

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DEVELOPING EDUCATION Chelsea’s education programmes use the Chelsea Hub. Our programmes Club. Indeed, without this hook, many the power of football to enhance the are fully funded, so they are would not have been interested in learning skills and increase the motivation completely free of charge to schools at all. Participants are impressed with of learners of all ages. During the and families. the quality of both teaching and course 2008/09 season our wide range Our evaluations showed that content. As an outcome, many learners are of projects engaged with 2,652 learners were initially attracted to our then inspired by their experience to take participants in schools, libraries, programmes by the excitement of up further study or training opportunities prisons and our own learning centre, being involved with Chelsea Football in their communities.

EDUCATION THROUGH FOOTBALL where pupils enjoy seeing how much INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY noise they can make with an old This unique history and literacy wooden rattle or trying on the leather In 2009 we celebrated this project took place in 45 primary studded boots of a bygone era. event at Stamford Bridge and in school classes, reaching 1,350 pupils The project culminates in a tour and local schools by holding workshops on throughout the season. museum visit, a well as the chance to the history of women’s football. It is based on the book Billy the Kid meet Michael Foreman, the award- A total of 460 pupils learned about by Michael Morpurgo – the story of a winning illustrator of the book. the hidden history of the female boy playing for Chelsea in the 1930s Teachers praised the project as being game and were inspired by meeting whose football career was interrupted instrumental in engaging difficult- Chelsea Ladies player Lorrie Fair, who by World War II. to-reach pupils and significantly was an Olympic silver medalist and We provide teaching materials and improving their literacy skills and World Cup winner with the American an in-class artefact handling session interest in history. women’s team. As a result, we were able to promote the girls’ coaching programmes run by our FITC department and raise the profile of women’s football.

ALIVE AND KICKING SENIOR FANS GROUP

As well as our weekly IT classes, we put on educational visits throughout the season. The Cabinet War Rooms, The Imperial War Museum and Wembley Stadium were among the venues chosen. In addition, participants enjoyed a World Book Day author event and a Christmas party which included a talk from Chelsea legend Ron Harris. The project is highly successful in engaging older men to get involved in learning and social activities – a hard- to-reach group for mainstream adult education providers. The unique power of football to bring people together has given us the opportunity to tackle the problem of social isolation and prove that you are never to old to learn new skills. Over the year, 80 seniors attended Interests: An Alive and Kicking class and, left, two children with some football artefacts classes and events.

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Message: Former Chelsea stars Ken Monkou and Paul Canoville with ex-Fulham player Leroy Rosenior and Chelsea Ladies’ Lorrie Fair

ANTI-RACISM WORK our Paul Canoville drama pack. The resource is available to schools on More than 1,350 heard an request and aims to use Paul’s story inspirational talk from Paul to inspire pupils to write and perform Canoville, the first black footballer to their own play. play for Chelsea’s first team. We also displayed the Kick it Out The speech not only helped History of Black Footballers exhibition schoolchildren to understand the in the Chelsea Museum during Black effects of racism but also tackled the History Month in October. issues of bullying and making the That month, in partnership with most of educational opportunities. Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC), Together with Chelsea’s first black we also hosted a forum event for player of the year, Ken Monkou, Paul local schools. Among the panel met pupils who won our 2008 Kick it were Canoville, Monkou and former Out cartoon competition and led the Chelsea Ladies player Lorrie Fair. annual pitch events. SRTRC used this event to make a This year also saw the launch of promotional film about their work.

LIBRARY PROJECTS WAR GAME FAMILY LEARNING PROJECT We have established excellent partnerships with our local This project devised by the libraries who value our support in education department focuses helping to attract families that are on the famous Christmas truce of 1914 new to visiting the institutions. when the Allies and Germans stopped We have helped to increase library fighting and played football. membership and inspired reluctant The aim is for families to enjoy readers to change their attitudes learning together and to encourage to books. men to read with their children. The project uses a mixture of literacy activities and artefact handling. This year, we held four courses in libraries and schools, attended by Achievement: Kick It Out’s Lord Herman Ouseley presents 45 parents and children. Afterwards, the Intermediate Level award many parents were inspired to take of the Racial Equality Standard to Nicolas Anelka and their children to museums and borrow Peter Kenyon on the pitch books to learn more about the topic.

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GIVING LONDON KIDS A production and distribution, as well as representatives from the London HEAD START IN BUSINESS financial acumen. Organising Committee of the Olympic It also uses examples from the Games (LOCOG), the City of London Pupils at a school once dubbed game to develop students’ skills in and the Arts Council were also on the worst in Europe were offered communication, teamwork leadership hand to guide and advise students the chance to experience the worlds of and issues such as managing stress. throughout the week. sport and business. Chelsea’s education On top of supporting the initiative, The courses have been established by partner Tsu’Chu Biz have been Chelsea also provided match tickets, former England football international delivering their sport-based business shirts and various prizes for the young Tony Woodcock and Susan Kaye of The course in the heart of London’s people. Challenge of Excellence. Olympic boroughs. More than 20 pupils were awarded The project takes its name from The St Matthew Academy in 10 university credits towards a degree Tsu’Chu, the ancient Chinese form of Greenwich ran a week-long Olympics- in Sports Studies or Business Studies football from around 250BC which is inspired entrepreneurial initiative as well as a mentor from the business widely recognised as being the start of for their pupils, using examples and community, should they wish to take the global game. knowledge from football and the wider their business ideas and plans forward. The St Matthew Academy course is sporting world. Students made their final one of 40 supported by Chelsea for The course took place at the presentations to a panel of 1,000 underprivileged 14-to-19-year- University of Greenwich and also judges including former Arsenal olds from within the five Olympics incorporated the Olympic values of vice-chairman David Dein and host boroughs. equality, courage, determination, entrepreneur Jordan Kensington, CEO Each of them were offered the excellence and respect. of the Invincible Media Group and chance to develop their entrepreneurial The course aims to develop business founder of Urban Music Awards. knowledge, while expanding their skills such as marketing, sales, A prestigious audience of personal and social skills.

PREMIER LEAGUE READING STARS

We participated in this national project, adding value by supporting librarians with our own worksheets and activities based on the Chelsea FC Annual. Henrique Hilario was the clubs “Reading Star” for this season, which saw 32 children and 30 parents participating at four local libraries. He enjoyed reading his children’s What a story: Henrique Hilario during his Reading Stars book choice, Owl Babies, to one of appearance at the Chelsea Hub the groups and encouraged families to in Stamford Bridge read together by telling them how he reads daily to his own children. Chelsea was one of only a few clubs chosen to take the Premier League PLAYING FOR SUCCESS engage students in learning so that Reading Stars project into a prison we can offer them something extra to library setting. This national programme is a their normal schoolwork. At HMP Wandsworth, we worked three-way partnership between For example, this year students with a group of 15 prisoners who the Government, Hammersmith and learned how to make their own were fascinated by Paul Canoville’s Fulham Council and Chelsea FC. Wallace and Grommit-style animation autobiography Black and Blue. They In the 2008/09 season, 420 pupils films with plasticine models. had the opportunity to meet him visited our education centre – the We also made the most of our and ghost writer Rick Glanvill and Chelsea Hub – to take part in a location by setting tasks around ask questions. Several were inspired variety of after-school and holiday the stadium. For example, students to begin writing about their own programmes. worked on percentages in the experiences. We use the latest technology to Megastore. Pride: Tsu’Chu Biz presentation with Tony Woodcock, left, before the Premier League match with Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge in May 2009

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TACKLING HATE

As part of the fight against all Lorrie Fair, a World Cup winner with in one team, from different regions forms of discrimination, Chelsea the American ladies team. and different colours, but we are still held a series of activities at Stamford Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck, winning games. Bridge and in our communities to raise welcoming our Kick It Out Day of “There is no place for prejudiced awareness of the issues surrounding Action fixture against Liverpool, said: thought and no place for fighting. the subject. “The annual Kick It Out game is an If you can work well together on The club visited local schools and opportunity to reflect on the giant the football pitch, you can do it in libraries to hold workshops on strides we have made in tackling all your life. And, if we can achieve it in anti-discrimination. Also, Paul forms of discrimination. England, then we should be able to Canoville, who was the club’s first “It is also a chance to remind achieve it everywhere in the world.” black player, was out and about ourselves never to take our eyes Paul Canoville and Ken Monkou led supporting our work in local primary off the ball – this is a fight we must the teams out for game, accompanied schools, engaging more than 2,000 continue, not just in football stadia by eight young winners of our annual pupils in 40 schools a year. but in our communities.” anti-racism poster competition. Ken Monkou, our first black Player Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea’s of the Year, also took part in a anti-discrimination ambassador for Lesson in tolerance: Paul Canoville at the Show Racism the Red Card and Kick discussion panel with Paul for local the 2008/09 season, added: “You can It Out events to launch Black History children at Stamford Bridge along with see that on the pitch we are all friends Month at Stamford Bridge in 2008

Inclusive: One Game One Community activity before the Premier League match against Liverpool at the Bridge in 2008 Anti-discrimination work recognised

Chelsea was proud to be Lord Herman Ouseley, chair and higher-than-average black and ethnic awarded the Intermediate founder of Kick It Out, praised minority participation on matchdays, Level of Kick It Out’s Racial Equality Chelsea’s work. with the club ranked fourth highest in Standard (RES). He said: “Chelsea FC is to be the division. The award recognised the club’s congratulated for their achievement Chelsea were also proud to be work in fighting discrimination, in meeting the Intermediate Level a principal sponsor of the GG2 particularly at Stamford Bridge, and of the Racial Equality Standard for Leadership and Diversity Awards for its educational campaigns in professional clubs. hosted by the Asian Media and London schools. “Their work on the Standard is in Marketing Group. The club is a Chelsea has actively tackled the keeping with their undoubted success passionate promoter of participation issues of racism through continued in developing a club that aims to be in football by the Asian communities support of Kick It Out and Show inclusive and has diversity as a key and, as well as undertaking our Racism the Red Card, as well as objective within their CSR practice.” groundbreaking Search for an Asian undertaking a number of pro-active The Premier League Annual Fans Star, also hosted the Asian Community initiatives in the community. Survey revealed that Chelsea have a Cup at Stamford Bridge.

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Champions: Clockwise from top, Under-12s winner A’ameer Kstantin Murphy, Under-13s winner Jordan Sadhu and Under-14s winner Jhai Singh Dhillon SEARCH FOR AN ASIAN SOCCER STAR Chelsea took the unprecedented support from a host of sporting “They can gain confidence from it, proper skill training. Now they may try step of tackling head-on celebrities, including boxer Amir Khan, self-esteem, playing in a team, living for more of that. the under-representation of Asian our own Nicolas Anelka and one of an active lifestyle and being off the “There are not many players from players in football by creating a the few Asian professional footballers streets. They could be on the streets the Asian community coming through groundbreaking scheme to identify Zesh Rehman. messing about, so that’s a positive in England. They have talent and talent and create opportunities for A regular speaker on the subject thing in itself. passion about sport and it is good them to join local affiliated clubs. of Asians in football, Rehman was “Hopefully they can take that on for there to be an opportunity in The Blues teamed up with Kick delighted that Chelsea had become board, speak to their mates about it football.” It Out and the Asian Media Group involved. and it carries on.” Anelka said: “They are living to launch Search for an Asian “I think it’s great. Chelsea is a The Chelsea players turned out in a dream to become professional Soccer Star and held open trials for Premier League club with a massive their droves, with Petr Cech, Nicolas footballers. To play at the Chelsea youngsters from Indian, Pakistani, Sri profile across the world. If they can Anelka, Florent Malouda and Deco training ground is a good feeling. Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds. highlight it, then I am sure other dropping by to show their support. “Football is international and we The winner from each of the clubs can look at that and use it as We also invited managers, coaches should see it everywhere. Chelsea had Under-12, 13 and 14 age groups were a template for future reference,” he and scouts from clubs at all levels a good idea and, hopefully, someone offered trials at the club and to train said. of the game to identify talented here today will one day become a alongside our Academy players during “The main theme of it is integration youngsters and information was professional footballer for Chelsea and their three-day stay. and cohesion among the communities. available for players to find affiliated maybe for England.” Initially aimed at boys from London In my opinion, there is no better way clubs in their area. Salomon Kalou was similarly and the South-East, the programme than football to do that. The trials proved more successful impressed with the programme, quickly gathered momentum, “It is a great idea by Chelsea and if than anyone ever imagined. After saying: “It’s a good initiative and I attracting 350 players from as far one of those lads can come through being judged on a series of matches think it reflects how open Chelsea are. away as Australia. It also attracted and make it, then even better. and tests specifically designed and “Today has shown just how much these kids love to get involved in football and, if Chelsea can be the first club to start this sort of project, then it’s a great opportunity to other teams to follow suit. “This reminds me of when I was a kid, going through these kinds of tests. It’s a good opportunity for them to show they can be at Chelsea and become professional players. used by the Chelsea Academy to along and ended up winning it. “I remember having football trials demonstrate their speed, skills and “The trials are very good because when I was younger and I was happy ability, three winners were selected. they are a lot different from what I and really excited. It’s not every day They not only trained but also was used to. The facilities were great you have this sort of opportunity played for our Academy teams – and and I met Florent Malouda, Petr Cech, and I hope the ones who are chosen two of the footballers went on to play Nicolas Anelka and other Chelsea will have a good career and become at professional club Academies. players. At first, I was a bit starstruck. great players.” “My life has changed quite a bit But I got used to it.” It was not just the Chelsea players after winning the trials,” said Jordan At the event, Cech added: “You can praising the competition, with boxer Sidhu, who was signed on a youth see the smiles on the faces and they Khan also giving his thoughts. contract by Southend United. “I’m deserve to have their chance to He said: “Sport can have a huge now playing a high standard of show people what they can do, positive effect on young people and football and am happy that I’ve got spending time here showing their that is why I am supporting Search for a chance to realise my dream of skills and talent. an Asian Soccer Star. becoming a professional footballer.” “It may only be a few kids that will “We need to get more Asian kids The youngster went on to explain get a trial, but this experience will give into all sports and end the negative how he entered the talent scheme. the other ones enough to join other stereotyping of the Asian community. Opening doors: Petr Cech and “I came home from school and my clubs or get another dimension to “The opportunities that the Nicolas Anelka with participants mum said she had signed me up for their football. programme offers can be of huge in Search for an Asian Soccer Star at Cobham training ground a competition,” he added. “I didn’t “They may have played outside with benefit to the young people expect anything from it – but I went friends but never had the structure for involved.”

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Congratulations: Mayor of London Boris Johnson PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT presents the award

Chelsea realises the impact that use on the pitches. Also, more than save money, not to mention share lifts we have on our environment 3,500 trees and shrubs have been and their matchday experiences with and we are determined that the club, planted. To reduce water usage, fellow supporters. staff and fans should do all they can a water management system has The system works by matching to help reduce our carbon footprints. been introduced for toilets which fans offering lifts and those seeking To this end, we created an education ranges from motion detectors to transport to the game. Supporters are Le saux backs campaign whereby fans can sign up foaming units. then told if anyone else is going in the blues for to a series of pledges to undertake To increase transparency, the club same direction, leaving it up to them cutting carbon energy-saving initiatives. These range published an in-depth and publicly to make contact through a secure from switching off the television when available comprehensive environmental email connection and arrange to they come to a game to reducing the policy, while a special sub-group of the share the trip and the costs of travel. Impressed: temperature on their central heating. Fans’ Forum has also been established. The project has been set up with Graeme Le Saux Staff are encouraged to ride bikes, The Fans’ Environmental Forum brings the specialist car-sharing company walk or take public transport to work. together supporters who share our liftshare, which has established more There are cycle loan schemes and the environmental ideals and commitments than 600 car-sharing schemes for number of bike racks at Stamford to discuss the latest initiatives and communities across the UK. Bridge has increased. formulate policy. This means that each user can The temperature of the water used One such idea was the Chelsea choose whether to look for lifts to wash the kit at Cobham has been liftshare initiative. The scheme, within their own community or lowered and energy saving measures designed to reduce travel costs as from the entire liftshare database, have been adopted. well as congestion and pollution, thereby increasing the likelihood At the training ground, water is is accessed online. It enables fans that they’ll find a match to their collected and held in a reservoir for travelling to home and away games to journey requirements. Former Blues player and Corporate Social Responsibility ambassador Graeme Le Saux, who has a keen Fresh approach: Moves to lessen our impact on the environment include interest in environmental issues, planting trees and shrubs at Cobham praised Chelsea’s efforts to reduce the club’s carbon footprint. He said: “I think the first big step the club made was the training facility at Cobham – the way it works, its efficiency and the ability collect and retain water. Green500 Silver Award “This policy is much more day- to-day and the club is leading by Chelsea was one of the big football club involved. In recognition example by committing to reducing winners at the first Green500 of the strides the club made in this its carbon emissions over the next and Better Buildings Partnership area – which included energy saving two years, having signed up to the awards for environmentally-conscious initiatives at Stamford Bridge and Mayor of London’s Green500. London businesses and organisations. Cobham as well as encouraging “It is great to see that in Green500, Mayor of London Boris supporters to make their own action and to encourage not just employees, but also fans, to get Johnson’s flagship energy efficiency pledges – Chelsea was presented behind it and think about how they programme, is designed to target 500 with a Green500 Silver Award by use their energy. of London’s top businesses. Boris Johnson. “We can all make small changes, By focusing on large businesses “Green500 is an idea that is about like turning off lights when you and public sector organisations in encouraging companies to compete leave the room, turning off your London, the campaign aims to deliver with each other to be the greenest,” TV or even the tap when you brush the Mayor’s target to cut the city’s said the Mayor of London. your teeth. emissions by 60 per cent by 2025 “Chelsea have an amazing scheme to “People might think that doesn’t and stimulate a low carbon economy. do all sorts of things like reducing the make a big difference individually Chelsea, which hosted the awards temperature in their washing machines but, collectively, it can make a huge night, was one of the first 10 when they are washing their kit and difference.” members of the scheme and the first they have saved so much CO2.”

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CLUB AND SUPPORTERS PAST PLAYERS’ TRUST CPO Lunch, which took place at the KEEPING IN TOUCH Park Lane Hilton. The 2008 Chelsea Pitch Owners He received applause from more than Lunch was attended by over 60 500 guests, making it a fitting farewell Through several initiatives and platforms, the club makes sure it former Blues players and managers, to a key player in one of the club’s listens to the people who make Chelsea such a great club – the fans some of whom had benefitted from biggest achievements. funding by the club’s Past Players’ “Chelsea is such a special club and Trust (PPT). what they do for ex-players shows By the time of the 2008 event, the that,” said Thomson. “The club has a Trust had spent around £65,000 in history and is so proud of it. That’s the total to improve the well-being of way it should be.” several ex-players, including Chic Marcel Desailly was named as the Thomson, who was a guest of honour latest CPO Vice President, joining the at his last-ever official Chelsea event. likes of Pat Nevin and Dave Webb to Thomson was the goalkeeper in our receive the prestigious honour, while an Honour: Marcel Desailly with a commemorative plate 1955 Championship-winning side and auction fronted by Bobby Davro helped presented to him at the sadly passed away not long after this raise a further £27,000 for the PPT. Chelsea Pitch Owners Lunch

Connection: Guus Hiddink meeting the Fans’ Forum at Cobham training ground in March 2009

FANS’ FORUM supporter clubs. In consultation with SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS the Fans’ Forum, we also created the Our Chelsea Fans’ Forum Fans’ Environmental Forum to discuss A policy was developed was established to increase the club’s environmental policy and during the 2008/09 season to a dialogue between the club commitments. streamline the application process and supporters, develop a better This also allowed us to enter into and make it easier for Chelsea fans understanding of issues that affect a dialogue with supporters about throughout the world to join official fans and allow the club to discuss how best to reduce their own carbon supporters’ clubs. new ideas. footprints. The season saw fans’ groups from The platform, which entered its fifth These discussions have led directly 13 European countries join as official season in 2008/09, reflects the diverse to the creation of the liftshare scheme, clubs, along with 25 groups from nature of Chelsea’s fans. while encouraging like-minded fans to further afield including Vietnam, Representatives are drawn from a create a series of initiatives to tackle Mauritius and Australia. variety of supporters: season-ticket our impact on the environment. holders; club members; private box Through consultation we have also and executive suite members; family established a Chelsea Disability Fans’ stand season-ticket holders; fans over Forum, which has been instrumental 60 years old; 16-to-21-year-old fans; in developing our disabled ticketing disabled fans; and representatives of policy.

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STAFF four people completed the Business policy, which covers all areas of Administration NVQ Level 2. the legislation including race and All Chelsea employees are Our talent management strategies disability. Additionally, 21 members offered the opportunity to continue to have a positive impact of staff attended a half-day training attend anti-discriminatory workshops on staff development in the club and programme specifically on diversity and and the club has appointed disability during the 2008/09 season we saw another half-day on disability training. champions to ensure that issues facing 47 members of staff (representing This involves a deaf trainer who teaches disabled fans and employees are at 10 per cent of the workforce) either delegates sign language. the forefront of club policy. transferred or promoted to different Chelsea also ran Get Into Retail in The human resources strategy for roles within the business. conjunction with the Prince’s Trust. The Chelsea specifically seeks to support The staff handbook is reviewed and scheme – part of a £2million package the vision and values of the club: “We revised every six months to ensure of support from the Premier League, are a service-driven football club that that all our policies and procedures Professional Footballers’ Association values people.” are in line with current legislation, and the Football Foundation – is During the 2008/09 season we statutory obligations and best practice. designed to help unemployed young supported a number of staff to study An induction day, which is led by the people gain an understanding of for a UK-recognised management HR Department but run completely specific industries such as retail, qualification. Four first-time team by the Senior Management Team, is catering, hospitality and leisure. Six leaders completed Level 2, while conducted every month. This ensures young people attended the week in six people completed Level 3 of that all new starters are integrated the Megastore. the Institute of Leadership and as efficiently and professionally as The social committee offered activities Management. possible into the company culture and to a range of participants from across Six retail staff and 12 employees specific business expectations. the entire business and ensured that in the call centre completed an NVQ During induction day, all staff learn all employees have the opportunity to Level 2 in Customer Service, while about the club’s equal opportunities participate in less formal activities that still have a link to the business. The club’s Excellence Awards continued for a further year, with increasing numbers of staff being nominated for outstanding contribution to the workplace. The monthly newsletter and intranet improved immensely and content from staff themselves now forms the greater part of stories shared with the company. A lucky draw of 10 tickets for every home game continued, which ensured that employees had access to first-team football games. Staff were also offered the chance to join the club’s membership scheme and were given complimentary tickets to support the team at the FA Cup Final. The club also funded skin cancer screening for every member of staff who made a £10 donation to a cancer charity and 50 people took up the offer.

Makeover: The improved staff newsletter and internal intranet are ways employees can keep in touch with what is going on at the club

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Engaging: The league has FIT FOR THE GAME been hailed a success

Florent Malouda was proud to disease, smoking-related illnesses, participants to gain qualifications in launch a scheme which aims to depression and obesity, the borough football coaching and health provision improve the well-being of men in our faces several serious health issues – offering routes into employment and local area, using football as a catalyst which the scheme hopes to address. ensuring the long-term sustainability of for exercise. Participants on the programmes the programme. By engaging the men in sporting operating in Hammersmith & Fulham Welcoming the programme, Malouda activities, Chelsea coaches are and Westminster also have visits said: “It’s a great idea to use football able to promote the benefits of a from experts for health “MOT tests” to help improve the health and job healthier lifestyle as well as referring to establish their body mass index, prospects of men in the community. participants to the relevant health fitness levels, lung capacity and “Men need to take better care of agencies. heart rate. themselves and, by playing sport, we Men in our local boroughs Information about smoking, cancer can bring more people into the game have traditionally suffered health screening, physical activity and mental and make them enjoy it. inequalities due to a reluctance to visit health is also provided, alongside “Using football, they can check their doctors and other such professionals. advice on debt, money management, own health with our coaches and Combined with the fact that the training and back-to-work schemes. doctors. I hope we can help them to region has high incidences of heart Courses are also available for feel better and stay well.”

positive mental awareness LEAGUE

Chelsea, along with Surrey by educating communities about executive member for adults and County Council, helped to start the issues and stigmas surrounding community care, said: “This is a a football league for people with mental health. fantastic and innovative initiative mental health problems. Welcoming the launch of the league, and I’m sure all the players involved The club’s Cobham training ground former Chelsea defender Ricardo – men and women of all ages – will was the venue for the launch of the Carvalho said: “We believe that ensure the league is a huge success. Surrey Positive Mental Awareness football can have a positive impact on “Football is a good way for League, bringing together five teams the lives of people of all ages and I people to become more physically from throughout the county. wish the league the best of luck. active and engage with others, As well as providing competitive “I’m always really impressed by which can help to promote their opportunities, the league also what our coaches do to help our well-being. aims to improve the self-esteem of communities, but what is even “The tournament at the launch Healthy approach: Florent Malouda backs participants and give them a focus more impressive is the passion event showed that, by playing a campaign to improve the well-being of by getting them active through and determination shown by the football, people with mental health men in the boroughs around Chelsea competitive sport. The programme is people involved.” problems will gain confidence and also designed to break down barriers Sally Marks, the county council’s life skills.”

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