YAA Ballerz
YAA Ballerz (previously known as YAA Kicks) provides regular football sessions with the aim to encourage young people to make positive life choices and improve their mental health and wellbeing through physical activity.
In our football sessions each participant:
develops teamwork skills
increases their fitness levels
gains technical skills
sportsmanship
Specialist trainers coach each person to build their self-esteem and self-awareness to ensure that they apply their learning to their life choices. The sessions support the young people to build punctuality, commitment, leadership, responsibility, cohesive working to generate fun and participation with members of all abilities.
We are working in partnership with Chelsea FC Foundation.
A short video showing how football is positively transforming the lives of young people through our YAA Ballerz (YAA Kicks) programme. We are very thankful for all the participants involved and our partners that supported - The Hargreaves Foundation.
Impact
206 young people
attended YAA Ballerz in 2025/26
123 sessions
and events delivered
99% attendance rate
“
“ I had no friends and was in a PRU before coming to the sessions and now I have loads of friends and I’m back in school!””
“I’ve become more confident in myself and my skills. Through this programme I’ve develop my teamwork skills and made some great friends!”
86%
report having a healthier lifestyle
88%
report improved social skills
81%
report taking part in new activities
77%
report taking more responsibility in the group
94%
report being more physically active
97%
report performing better on the pitch
91%
report increased ability to make new friends
91%
report making progress in other aspects of their lives
84%
report having a better diet
Case study
More than football: How YAA Ballerz helped SH thrive
When SH was 12, life looked pretty different to how it does now. After picking up an injury, he had to take time out from being active. That time away from sport started to affect more than just his fitness — it knocked his confidence, affected his self‑esteem and meant he wasn’t socialising as much as he used to.
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Once he’d recovered, SH decided to give the YAA Ballerz programme another go. He was looking for a place where he could get active again, feel supported, and reconnect with other young people.
From the start, SH threw himself into the sessions. Taking part in structured football activities led by FA‑qualified coaches, he didn’t just work on his fitness, he also developed teamwork, discipline and confidence. His stamina and skills improved week by week, but just as importantly, so did his mindset.
“I wanted to improve as a football player. I wanted to try and get into an academy. I wanted opportunities.”
YAA Ballerz gave SH a space where he felt included and encouraged. He started speaking up more, built strong friendships, and even began taking on leadership roles during sessions. Coaches noticed a real change, not just in how he played, but in how he carried himself on and off the pitch.
That commitment didn’t go unnoticed. Recognising his dedication and potential, coaches recommended SH for a trial with the Chelsea FC Foundation Individualised Recruitment Pathway (IRP), an opportunity designed to spot and support emerging talent. For SH, the trial was a huge milestone and a proud moment that reflected just how far he’d come.
Looking back, SH’s journey shows what’s possible when young people are given the right support at the right time. Through YAA Ballerz, he’s improved his physical health, grown in confidence, and opened the door to new opportunities, both in football and in life.
“I’m proud of my progress and want to keep it going. I’ve done well, but I know I can keep getting better.”
Sign up now
Times and days:
Our sessions run on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Westway Sports & Fitness Centre
Monday: 6-8pm
Wednesday (Girls session): 6-8pm
Thursday: 5-7pm
Friday: 6-8pm
Age groups:
Monday: Year 10-12
Wednesday: Year 7-11
Thursday: Year 6-7
Friday: Year 8-9
Allocated Pitches:
Pitch 1 - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Pitch 2 - Friday
Please note: The sign-up page will be reactivated as soon as sessions begin.
Contact
For the attention of the Ballerz team please email: youth.inclusion@chelseafc.com