Under the lights at Kingsmeadow, there was a sense of anticipation in the air as Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over Brighton, with Lexi Potter scoring her first senior goal for the club. But beyond the result, the evening told a deeper story — one of resilience, community and the life-changing impact of the Chelsea Foundation.

For Sharon, football was never just about the game.

She first joined Chelsea Foundation’s walking football in 2019 during one of the most difficult periods of her life, following the loss of her husband. What began as a step towards rebuilding her wellbeing soon became something far greater.

‘I needed to make new friends and do something completely different,’ she explains. ‘I’d been sitting at home, not really looking after myself. But it’s been amazing for me.’

Since then, Sharon has not only regained her confidence but also her health, losing over two stone and building a strong network of friendships.

‘I’ve got so many friends now — from our club and from teams we play against. Everyone looks out for each other. That’s the most important thing.’

Now attending up to three sessions a week and taking part in competitive fixtures, Sharon describes the programme as transformative and the Foundation as amazing, stressing that the all-round support offered is great.

Her journey recently brought her even closer to the club when she visited the training ground and met members of the men’s team, including Cole Palmer — a moment her grandson will forever be envious of.

‘It was really, really lovely,’ she says. ‘The staff made sure everyone felt welcome. I was very honoured to be part of it.’

Sharon’s story is just one example of how the Chelsea Foundation continues to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Jacob’s experience highlights another side of that impact.

Having joined the Chelsea Foundation’s amputee football sessions a couple of years ago, Jacob has developed both his skills and confidence, driven by a determination to succeed as a goalkeeper.

‘He’s always wanted to be in goal,’ his parent explains. ‘People might look and think he can’t do it, but he’s got the mindset of “this is me, and this is what I do”.’

Training sessions have become a crucial part of his development.

‘It’s the best training he gets,’ they add. ‘It’s focused, it challenges him, and it pushes him further.’

For Jacob, opportunities like watching the first team train provide valuable inspiration.

‘If I see something they’re doing, I can try and do it,’ he says.

That sense of belief and aspiration was evident throughout the evening at Kingsmeadow, where participants had the chance to engage with players and experience the matchday environment first-hand.

Reflecting on meeting the mascots, Lexi Potter said: ‘It was great getting to know them before the game. What the Foundation do is so important.’

As the final whistle blew on an exciting evening, it was clear that the impact of the Chelsea Foundation extends far beyond the pitch.

For Sharon, Jacob and many others, football has become more than just a sport — it is a source of strength, connection and possibility.