Football in Cornwall has received a boost as the Chelsea FC Foundation has signed an agreement with Truro and Penwith College.

College students had coaching sessions on Friday led by football legends such as former England star Matthew Upson and Paulo Ferreira, who are completing their UEFA Coaching qualifications at Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham.

The association will see Truro and Penwith College’s football teams play in official Chelsea kits, and students and coaches in the academy will benefit from world-class training at Chelsea FC throughout the year.

Students will also take part in Chelsea FC Foundation’s annual Competitions Day where all of their college academies are invited to play.

Gary Pascoe, Truro and Penwith college football development manager, said: “We are hoping to enter a national FA youth development league so the lads will get the opportunity to play against other professional clubs.”

“Some of those may go and have the opportunity to get trials with professional clubs if they are good enough.”

Shaun Gore, head of community at Chelsea FC Foundation, said the club had investigated suitable partnerships in the region and Truro and Penwith College was the “best one around”.

He said: “We want to associate ourselves with the best educational establishments that we can and they don’t come more highly recommended than Truro and Penwith College.”

“The facilities are fantastic, we spoke to the coaching staff and I think it’s a great opportunity all around.”

The association will start with a boys programme, but Mr Pascoe is hopeful a girls programme will be developed in the near future, and possibly a disability programme.

Falmouth Town AFC players Finn Cross and Archie Friar, who are starting at Truro and Penwith College in September, were among the first to be invited to Chelsea’s training ground following the association.

Finn said he was excited after getting the call and said the day had been “impressive” and that he wanted to “take on board what the coaches are saying, because they are a high level and hopefully I can bring that into my game and improve”.

Archie added: “Seeing all the club and players like Paolo Ferrero is pretty cool and the standard of coaching is really good.”

Pascoe said he hoped players having spent two years with the College “will not only go away as better players, but better individuals, hopefully more employable, whether that be in sport or other careers”.

The team, newly-named Chelsea FC Foundation Truro will play in the National U19 Football Youth Development League against AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea FC Foundation (Dartmoor), Cheltenham Town, Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town.

Mr Pascoe said: “Playing in the National U19 Youth Development League will offer students the opportunity to compete against some of the best young players within the region, several of whom have already signed professional contracts.”

“All the teams within the league are linked to professional football clubs and will be using first-class playing facilities. This competition will ensure that students are regularly challenged, which in turn will improve their technique, tactical understanding and ultimately their enjoyment of the game.”