Ben Munro, Big Leaf Foundation programme manager said: ‘Big Leaf Foundation (BLF) are delighted to join forces with Chelsea FC Foundation to deliver weekly football sessions for our displaced young people beginning their new lives in East Surrey.
‘These one-and-half-hour long sessions will run every Wednesday from 28 April at the Warwick School in Redhill and will be delivered by one of the Chelsea Foundation coaches. The BLF team will also be there to support young people with language and provide them with opportunity to discuss any concerns that may be affecting their general well-being.
‘Whilst the sessions will currently be limited to on-field training, our aim is to expand the project to include ESOL classes where players will learn English through football, with our BLF teachers and Chelsea coaches supporting them learn vocabulary, develop their communications skills and understanding of strategies, as well as helping form the foundations of a team.’
Chelsea Foundation senior social inclusion officer Callum Salhotra added: ‘To help support our refugee groups is really important. Playing football is something that is recognised all across the world so by attending this session makes them feel at home. They also are able to improve their English and hopefully become more engaged within their community.’