A former Chelsea children’s football coach appeared in court to deny raping a 13-year-old girl.

Shane Hughes, 30, from Lenham in Kent, is believed to have worked for the club’s Community Foundation, based in Stoke D'Abernon near Cobham, and as a football coach.

Formed in 2010, the foundation combines football in the community and education.

Mr Hughes appeared at Guildford Crown Court today to enter a plea of not guilty against the two counts of the rape of a female child under 13 by a male.

The alleged rapes date back to 2011.

The trial is now listed for February 15 next year.