St Mary’s Alumnus Wins Chelsea FC Foundation Award

Alumnus of the Chelsea Football Club Foundation Coaching and Development FdSc programme at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Adam Semple has won the annual Osgood Award.

The Osgood Award was set up in 2016 to honour a Chelsea Foundation coach, participant or volunteer who has shown the commitment, dedication, and spirit that the legendary Chelsea striker Peter Osgood was famous for.

Adam was presented with the award at Chelsea FC’s home ground Stamford Bridge during a recent fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion FC by Lynn Osgood, wife of the late Peter Osgood, and their son Darren Osgood.

Adam won this year’s award for his role as a disability coach at the Chelsea FC Foundation. In this Role, Adam has continuously supported many individuals, all of whom have different challenges, most notably our national Cerebral Palsy team who have represented Chelsea Foundation and Chelsea Football Club at the highest level.

Adam joined the Chelsea Foundation disability department after graduating from St Mary’s. Over the last three years he has significantly helped some of our youngest and most challenging participants.

Speaking of the award, Adam Semple said, “That was a truly surreal moment, especially as a Chelsea fan. Being presented with the Peter Osgood award on the Stamford Bridge pitch is something I will never forget. I think it is vital that Chelsea are delivering these crucial disability programmes such as the Cerebral Palsy and Amputee teams and I’m extremely proud to play my part and be recognised for my work.”

Lynn Osgood said, “It’s lovely that we are able to present this award in Peter’s name and memory, Adam is a genuine person who thoroughly deserves this award and I hope today has given him that extra piece of encouragement.’”

Inclusion and Disability Senior Officer at Chelsea Foundation Ellie Crabb said, “It was fantastic to see Adam recognised for all of his hard work. He has shown exemplary commitment to our disability programmes, consistently showing a caring and personable approach, whether that be with our National Cerebral Palsy teams or supporting children with autism at matches in the Sensory Room. Adam goes above and beyond to ensure each individual gets the upmost out of every experience.

“I am personally very proud of the journey that Adam has been on, watching him grow over the last few years despite the challenges he has faced and as a previous winner of this special award in 2018, I know how much it means, so it was amazing to see Adam presented with his award on the Stamford Bridge pitch.”