Chelsea Football Club’s Foundation area development manager Keith Harmes says he is delighted to establish a working partnership with Uxbridge College.

The Chelsea Foundation will support the existing Football Development Centre from September and join forces to give the best sporting opportunities to students who attend the Development Centre.

Mr Harmes said: “The desire of Uxbridge College to develop a first-class football programme shone through at the very first meeting.

“With such excellent facilities and a programme that will undoubtedly be one of the very best the area has to offer, it will be exciting times ahead.

“Combining academic studies with a fulfilling football programme, delivered by top quality coaching staff, is such a fantastic opportunity for the students.

“We all look forward to watching the development not only of the college football teams, but also of the individuals involved.”

Uxbridge College’s Football Development Centre is open to full-time students at the college and is now being backed by the foundation to support young men and women in making the best of their sporting potential.

Foundation coaching staff will work alongside the centre's head coach and A-licence holder Laura Kaminski to deliver football sessions and compete in association of league and cup ties.

Each member of the centre will receive training kit from the club and wear Chelsea blue for matches.

The link will be further enhanced by guest speakers from Chelsea Football Club as well as visits to Chelsea under-23 and youth fixtures, the training ground in Cobham and an opportunity to gain coaching qualifications.

Laraine Smith OBE, principal of Uxbridge College said: “We are delighted and excited to be working with the Chelsea Foundation, an organisation that mirrors our own high standards and expectations.

“The collaboration and support networks available will enable Uxbridge College Football Development Centre to further its commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for our students to maximise their academic and sporting potential.”