Young people & communities
Your Culture, Your Voice
For young people and communities who want to explore identity, heritage, and social issues through creative and cultural mediums — and have their voices amplified to audiences that matter.
Paul Canoville’s journey was shaped not only by football but also by the music, fashion, and food that gave him strength and identity during some of his toughest times. Those same cultural touchpoints remain central to how we engage young people today.
We run youth-led events and initiatives that use culture as a vehicle to embed our values of Allyship, Belonging and Community. Whether it’s music that speaks across generations, food that brings people together, or fashion that carries a message, we believe culture is one of the most powerful ways to start conversations and drive change.
To amplify this work, we’ve built a Media Partner network — a collective of creators and platforms with a combined following of nearly 10 million. This network gives young people’s voices a stage far beyond the room, ensuring their stories, creativity, and messages of inclusion reach national and global audiences.
Fearless
In 2022, Chelsea legend Paul Canoville became the first ever Fearless Football Ambassador. Fearless is the dedicated youth service from Crimestoppers, giving young people a safe way to share information about crime.
🌟 100% anonymous
🌟 No need to speak to the police
🌟 No court appearances
🌟 No one will ever know you gave information
To report, visit fearless.org
and complete the secure online form, or call the freephone number 0800 555 111.
Together, we can make our communities safer.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
MirrorMirror
Mirror Mirror is a rap-drama project led by MOBO Award-winner Still Shadey, created with Ment4, BBC Radio 1Xtra, Merky FC and The Paul Canoville Foundation.
Inspired by Shadey’s own journey, it explores identity, trauma and ambition through music and film.
This summer, 12 young musicians took part in the Mirror Mirror Summer Experience, gaining mentorship and the chance to create and perform. The project has been praised by stars like Wretch 32 and even the Mayor of Croydon.
Now, through our partnership, these young people will perform live for the first time at Chelsea FC’s Under the Bridge venue, in front of 500 people—alongside Still Shadey and other leading artists.
Together, we’re opening doors and creating opportunities that wouldn’t exist without the power of community.
Tied Together
As part of the Tied Together collaboration between our Foundation, Chelsea FC and designer Nicholas Daley, students from our Education Partner network had the chance of a lifetime.
Invited to Stamford Bridge, they met Chelsea stars including captain Reece James and women’s striker Sam Kerr, while seeing first-hand what goes into a major film and photography shoot. From make-up and wardrobe to stage design and set production, our young people went behind the scenes of a star-studded day.
They also watched our CEO and Chelsea players being interviewed by Sky Sports, with coverage broadcast on their morning show ahead of the Chelsea match the following day.
For our students, this was more than just a visit—it was a rare window into the worlds of fashion, sport and media, opening their eyes to careers and opportunities they may never have considered before.
Black and Blue Legends
Our Black and Blue Legends events celebrate the history of Black excellence at Chelsea FC—from Paul Canoville’s trailblazing debut to today’s stars.
The most recent event brought this story to life through a powerful mix of conversation, music and culture. Highlights included:
Paul Canoville in conversation with Pat Nevin
A live performance from Heather Small
Carlton Cole and Frank Sinclair interviewed by Leonie Carpenter
A UK Garage set by Capo Lee
Interviews with Blue Content Creator winners Xaymaca, Becky and their mentor Ellis Gilbert
An Afrobeats finale from Hercules
The night showcased the talent, resilience and creativity that continue to shape Chelsea’s story, honouring the past while inspiring the next generation.
Hope Hack
As part of The Hope Collective, we joined forces with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and Music Against Racism to host The Stamford Bridge Hope Hack in the Paul Canoville Suite at Stamford Bridge.
Young people (aged 15-25) from across London came together for a full day of workshops, panel discussions, and creative consultation on racism, division, and how sport & music can help bring communities together.
The event was youth-led and hosted by Kiss FM’s Ellie Prohan. Panelists included Paul Canoville, Patrick Hutchinson, Leonie Carpenter, Aaron McLean, music exec Adele White, and Myn Jazeel from Music Against Racism.
The highlight: the day finished with a performance by afrobeats artist Hercules, bringing everyone together through music after stirring discussions.
Overall, this Hope Hack showed what happens when we empower young voices — real solutions, real creativity, and real hope.
Art with Impact: Charlie Johnston
We’re proud to work with artist Charlie Johnston, a partner of the Foundation whose powerful one-off pieces have helped us inspire young people and raise vital funds.
Charlie has donated two incredible artworks: one of Chelsea captain Reece James, and another of Raheem Sterling. The Sterling piece was auctioned to support our programmes, while the Reece James artwork became the star prize for our International Women’s Day competition.
That prize was won by Swindon Academy, where the artwork now hangs proudly, a daily reminder of leadership, resilience and the power of representation.
Charlie also created for us a one-off pencil drawing of our Founder, Paul Canoville.
Through partnerships like this, we’re not only raising funds but also bringing art and inspiration directly into the heart of schools and communities.
what makes us different
Key Benefits...
Our programmes are designed to create tangible, lasting change by empowering individuals and strengthening the fabric of communities.
Provides safe, expressive platforms for marginalised voices
Uses creativity to tackle complex issues in accessible ways
Amplifies youth-led messages through a partner network
Strengthens intergenerational & cross-cultural connections
Embeds the Foundation’s core values in everyday life
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Don’t just take our word for it
Through Mirror Mirror, a programme led by MOBO-winning artist Still Shadey, the Foundation supported young musicians from marginalised groups at Merky FC HQ. The project gave participants the chance to experiment, collaborate, and reflect on themes of identity and resilience, while developing their artistic craft.
By linking music to lived experience, the initiative highlighted how cultural expression can both inspire personal growth and spark wider conversations about allyship and belonging. And thanks to our Media Partner network, stories like these are not confined to the rehearsal room — they are amplified across millions of followers, creating ripples of change far beyond the original audience.
Join The Success
Partners That Believe in Change
Forward-thinking companies choose our youth-led programs to engage their teams and communities, live their values, and drive meaningful cultural conversations.
Join the Movement
Lets Work Together
Ready to bring our youth-led cultural initiatives to your community or brand? Get the conversation started by filling out our simple form.