As Chelsea women keep a nervous eye on the West Country weather ahead of Sunday afternoon’s trip to Bristol City, in what will be a dress rehearsal for the Conti Cup final, the football club are redoubling their efforts to support the community during the pandemic.

Through its charitable wing, the Chelsea Foundation, the club is putting £10,000 into an appeal to help the young, the elderly and those most in need, and will match-fund the next £10,000 raised by fans.

Part of the effort, in the wake of school closures in the latest lockdown, is to improve pupils’ education, including delivery of goody bags, above.

In 2020’s lockdowns, unusued hotel rooms at Stamford Bridge were set aside for the free use of hospital workers, and that is being revived with the Copthorne Hotel, on the stadium site, offering the NHS free bed and breakfast for staff in need.

Club supporters have also been providing food parcels for NHS staff and pensioner groups via the charities Refuge and NHS Charities Together.

Chelsea Foundation is organising new online activities, with staff helping pensioners keep fit via free access to exercise equipment, and virtual exercise classes. There are also reminiscence sessions to tackle social isolation and loneliness among elderly residents.

A ‘Check-in with Chelsea’ programme reminds children to stay focused and keep active, while pupils are also being supported with English, maths and PE daily, if they register. Activity packs, workbooks and healthy lifestyle booklets are being provided, with players including club captain Cesar Azpilicueta contributing.

The Foundation has created Team Talk support networks for groups to keep in touch, and is working with foodbanks to establish collections and deliveries to those most affected by food poverty.

Simon Taylor, head of Chelsea Foundation, said: “Over the past year we’ve adapted to overcome challenges during the pandemic. It’s been great to see the foundation, club and fans come together to support our communities.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/chelseafcfoundation