England and Chelsea Football Club captain John Terry recently met with a group of unemployed 16 to 25-year-olds on The Prince’s Trust Football Initiative, which aims to help youngsters bridge the employability gap.

The youngsters who met Terry are part of a 12-week Prince’s Trust programme which aims to improve the motivation and confidence of young people who are either unemployed, out of care, young offenders or underachieving, so that they can find work or return to education.

Chelsea FC is one of more than 60 professional football clubs working with the Trust to support young people in the local community.

As part of its commitment, the club provides behind the scenes tours, motivational talks, signed merchandise and player appearances.

Terry said: “It’s good for young people to get involved in football. When I was growing up, I played for the local youth club and it kept me off the streets. Football is a good way to motivate young people.”

Kate Freeman, The Trust's football development manager for London, added: “The day at the training ground was fantastic and the kids couldn’t believe that they found the confidence to ask John Terry their questions, let alone have a kickabout with him. John was so down to earth and it was real boost to their confidence and self-esteem. This underlines all that this scheme is about.”

Photograph: John Terry with some of the Prince’s Trust scheme’s participants at Chelsea’s training ground