The Chelsea first team squad was joined by two British war heroes at Stamford Bridge last week as they launched a new initiative for returning soldiers.
The Inside Right program will help veterans adjust to civilian life after returning from active service, using football as a tool through a program of social activity, and offering veterans access to coaching qualifications and the opportunity to undertake different volunteering roles.
We are joined by Everton, Portsmouth, Colchester United and Lincoln City on the scheme, which will be managed by the Football Foundation.
John Terry, who was at the event alongside Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC and Major Phil Packer, is pleased the club is able to help.
'I am really pleased that Chelsea and four other football clubs are playing their part in helping our servicemen and women return to civilian life,' he said. 'They have risked their lives serving our country and they are the real heroes in my opinion, and we are rightly proud of them.
'I am fully behind the Inside Right program and it is perhaps football's way of recognising all of our military personnel for the sacrifices that they make on our behalf.'
Lance Corporal Beharry VC was also delighted to see the initiative begin, and believes a sense of unity can help returning servicemen and women avoid the social problems that often arise when they are discharged.
'Inside Right is a great idea,' he said. 'It can be a big adjustment when you return home after serving abroad, so to be part of a team again will give our men and women a real boost just when they need it.'
Inside Right is supported through funding from the Royal British Legion, the Ministry of Defence, ABF The Soldiers' Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund and Comic Relief. The Mental Health Foundation and Combat Stress are also key stakeholders in the program’s development.
The Inside Right program will help veterans adjust to civilian life after returning from active service, using football as a tool through a program of social activity, and offering veterans access to coaching qualifications and the opportunity to undertake different volunteering roles.
We are joined by Everton, Portsmouth, Colchester United and Lincoln City on the scheme, which will be managed by the Football Foundation.
John Terry, who was at the event alongside Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC and Major Phil Packer, is pleased the club is able to help.
'I am really pleased that Chelsea and four other football clubs are playing their part in helping our servicemen and women return to civilian life,' he said. 'They have risked their lives serving our country and they are the real heroes in my opinion, and we are rightly proud of them.
'I am fully behind the Inside Right program and it is perhaps football's way of recognising all of our military personnel for the sacrifices that they make on our behalf.'
Lance Corporal Beharry VC was also delighted to see the initiative begin, and believes a sense of unity can help returning servicemen and women avoid the social problems that often arise when they are discharged.
'Inside Right is a great idea,' he said. 'It can be a big adjustment when you return home after serving abroad, so to be part of a team again will give our men and women a real boost just when they need it.'
Inside Right is supported through funding from the Royal British Legion, the Ministry of Defence, ABF The Soldiers' Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund and Comic Relief. The Mental Health Foundation and Combat Stress are also key stakeholders in the program’s development.
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