The annual curtain-raiser ahead of the new season, which pits the Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners, takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 6 August and the FA expect that more than £1.25 million of the proceeds raised from the game will go towards the support fund.

In addition, many families of victims and survivors will attend the match as guests along with emergency service personnel who performed their duties with such bravery.

Supporters attending the Community Shield will also have the opportunity to add to the funds raised by donating an optional £5 when they purchase their match ticket from the club.

We believe this year’s Community Shield will provide an opportunity for football to play its part in helping to bring some relief to the families affected by the fire.

Chairman Bruce Buck said: ‘It was with profound shock and sorrow we learnt of the tragedy that befell so many people in Kensington last week. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives and our deepest sympathy goes out to anybody who may have suffered in any way due to the dreadful fire at Grenfell Tower.

‘We believe it is appropriate and timely that the first major football match involving top-flight clubs to take place in our city since the tragedy will be dedicated in such a way to the victims and survivors, and to the enormous number of heroes of the rescue operation, especially given this occasion’s long history of being played for the benefit of the wider community and people in need of support. We at Chelsea Football Club hope this Community Shield match with Arsenal will provide such support once again.’