The surprise visit took place in North London and during the visit, Saka met Ibrahim Fuad, a former player whose career was cut short when his Australian club was unable to continue sponsoring his visa. Mr Fuad has since built a new path in the sport thanks to support from the programme.
Backed by bank Chase and designed to support individuals from low-income backgrounds across the UK, the Chase football coaching programme provides fully funded access to introductory coaching qualifications and professional coaching bursaries.
Bukayo Saka and Mr Fuad (Image: Chase)
Bukayo Saka said: "Not everyone’s path in football looks the same, and for many players who don’t go on to play professionally, coaching is a brilliant and rewarding way to stay involved.
"It was really inspiring to meet Ibrahim and his team to hear about his journey and see the impact he’s having within the community. The Chase football coaching programme is so important; by expanding access to skills training and pathways into coaching, it’s helping to build positive role models for young people and inspire the next generation."
Mr Fuad completed his Introduction to Coaching Football qualification through the scheme and has since started his own football academy. The pair discussed the realities of football pathways, acknowledging that only 0.5 per cent of registered academy players go on to play professionally.
The team alongside Saka and Fuad (Image: Chase)
Coaching, they agreed, provides a meaningful way for former players to remain part of the sport, develop transferable skills, and make a difference in their communities.
Mr Fuad said: "Football has always been a huge part of my life, and when my playing journey came to an end, coaching gave me new hope. It’s allowed me to help young players develop, not just as footballers, but as people.
"Having access to funded coaching qualifications through the Chase programme made that transition possible for me, and it’s something that can make a real difference for so many former players who still have so much to give back to the game."
Since 2024, Chase has funded 7,000 coaching qualifications, with 4,046 already completed.
New research from YouGov, commissioned by Chase, shows that 93 per cent of former players see coaching as a valuable way to stay involved in football. Two-thirds (67 per cent) say more former players would remain in the game if they had access to free qualifications.
Deborah Keay, chief marketing officer at Chase, said: "At Chase, we’re passionate about helping players continue their journey in football. By providing access to funded football coaching qualifications, the Chase football coaching programme is helping more people stay in the game, develop valuable transferable skills, and become positive role models in their communities.
"Our aim is to create long-lasting impact across the UK by supporting more individuals to take their next step into coaching."
The Chase football coaching programme operates in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.