Chelsea Foundation marks International Women’s Day with mentoring drive at Cobham

On Tuesday, Chelsea Foundation launched its International Women’s Day programme at Cobham, bringing together 25 women and girls for a mentoring initiative aimed at strengthening pathways into football and beyond.

The event, built around this year’s theme #GiveToGain, focused on intergenerational exchange. Participants from the Foundation’s Inspire Her programme, its Adapted Sports walking football team, and students from St Mary’s University Twickenham were invited to reflect on the role support has played in their own development and how they might extend that support to others.

Each participant wrote two pledges: one offering advice to someone following behind them, and another recalling a moment when someone’s guidance helped them progress. The pledges were read aloud before a workshop session that examined how mentorship can shape opportunity in sport and professional life.

Surprise appearances by Chelsea players Sam Kerr and Kadeisha Buchanan added a practical dimension to the discussion. Both spoke about the influence of role models during their careers and joined a closing walking football session, where younger participants were coached by members of the Foundation’s team before everyone took part in a match.

The initiative will now be extended across the Foundation’s Health and Wellbeing, Education, Community and Futures programmes in an effort to broaden its reach throughout the year.

Within the club itself, work around gender representation has continued through the Women’s Empowerment Network, introduced last year as an internal forum for women working across Chelsea FC. Marking its first anniversary this week, the network is hosting a panel discussion on women’s health in football workplaces, examining how better understanding of physical and professional realities can shape inclusive policy.

Chelsea’s build-up to International Women’s Day 2026 begins with a short film featuring players, staff, supporters and Foundation participants, outlining the club’s stated commitment to supporting women at different stages of their careers in the game.

As professional women’s football continues to expand its commercial and cultural reach in London, the focus on mentorship and structural support suggests an attempt to embed change beyond the pitch.

For more reporting on London’s cultural and sports, subscribe to EyeOnLondon and support independent coverage of public life in the capital.

[Image Credit | © Chelsea FC / Chelsea Foundation]

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!