As part of this year’s Premier League Truce Project, the Chelsea Academy's Under-12s embarked on three meaningful missions that encouraged them to explore history, honour those who served and build stronger ties with their community.
For their first mission, the boys were asked to research the experiences of one Chelsea player who served during either the First or Second World War. Academy staff placed the names of all eligible players into a draw and the group selected Walter Bettridge and Joe Payne.
After learning about their stories, the boys produced individual artworks on canvas inspired by their research. These finished pieces will be displayed in the Academy building as a lasting tribute to the players’ service and the boys’ creative efforts.
The second mission focused on remembrance and commemoration. To mark what they had learned, the team created a mosaic of the Chelsea crest, made up of the individual artworks from their first task. The design was also printed onto a special-edition T-shirt that the players will wear during this year’s Premier League Christmas Truce Qualifiers, taking place in Portsmouth.
On the back of the shirt are the names of Walter Bettridge and Joe Payne, alongside those of every Under-12s player who took part in the project. If the team progress through the qualifiers, they will travel to Ypres, Belgium, in December to compete in the next stage of the tournament.
The final mission encouraged the players to engage with local veterans through social action. To do this, the group invited veterans to attend our home fixture against Sunderland last month. The boys spent time with them before and during the match, discussing Remembrance and life in the Armed Forces, before meeting members of the Chelsea first team pitchside after the final whistle.
The young players proudly shared the artwork they had produced, offering a thoughtful insight into what they had learned through the project.
Reflecting on their efforts, Jennifer Mildenhall, pastoral lead in the Academy’s player care department, praised the players for their attitude and maturity.
'Our Under-12s have been outstanding in their engagement with the Truce Project. They’ve shown genuine curiosity, empathy and maturity - qualities that go far beyond the pitch and reflect the kind of people we want them to become.'
Sgt Francis Filmer, company sergeant major in the London Guards, was equally full of praise for the young Blues.
'The boys were great fun, friendly and made us feel welcome and part of the team. They asked some great questions about life in the Army and Remembrance, and showed us the placards they’d created with real effort and pride.
'For me, one of the best parts of the day was having eight young football pundits who play the game at such a high level. We can’t thank Jen and the team enough for making us feel part of the Chelsea family.'