Project details
Chelsea Foundation- Past Players’ trust
Chelsea is fully committed to celebrating the club’s history and looking after the welfare of former players and members of staff who played a part in making Chelsea Football Club what it is today.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds have now been invested to provide medical and welfare assistance to former players who have given so much to Chelsea during the course of their careers.
The trust was inspired by the late Tony Banks, who tirelessly raised funds for former players – particularly the 1955 First Division championship-winning team.
With original donations from Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) and the club itself, the trust uses money raised to provide medical and financial assistance to past players who have given so much to Chelsea during the course of their careers.
The trust has seven directors; chairman Bruce Buck, Richard King, former Chelsea and England player Graeme Le Saux, Chelsea finance director Chris Alexander, group company secretary Alan Shaw and Chelsea head of communications and community affairs Emma Wilkinson.
Buck says: ‘Since Roman Abramovich took over Chelsea we have helped a number of past players who were in need of medical or financial assistance. This was done on an ad-hoc basis but Tony and the club wanted to do more.
‘Discussions had already started before Tony’s passing and his death served as a further impetus to set up the trust.
‘Not only will the trust directly help past players and other employees in need, but it will also ensure that these players maintain their rightful place as a crucial part of the club’s soul.’
Funds raised by Chelsea Old Boys, who are available for hire, go towards the Past Players’ Trust while official events such as the annual Chelsea Golf Day and the hugely successful Annual Lunch raise both money and awareness for the cause.
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