Ahead of Thursday's FA Youth Cup tie, which you can watch live on Chelsea platforms, we catch up with Derrick Abu, who who recalls playing Sunday league football with a current team-mate and his gymnastics days...
What’s your first memory of playing football?
It would be going to the park to play with my dad and sister. My dad used to challenge me to kick the ball as high as I could and I wasn’t too bad at that at quite a young age.
Where did your footballing journey start?
I was at my local football foundation and moved to my first Sunday league club from there, Old Isleworthians. It is where I first met Alfie Gilchrist and I enjoyed playing there until I joined Chelsea as an Under-11. It was where my love for the game developed deeper. I still keep in touch with some of my friends from my old club and always keep an eye out for how they are doing on social media.
Who did you look up to?
Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Wayne Rooney. Whenever I watched Man United play and Rooney got on the ball I sat up because I knew something was going to happen. All three of those players made football so exciting to watch and made me love the game.
Were there any other sports you were into as a kid?
I was pretty good at tennis and gymnastics. I enjoyed gymnastics and wasn’t afraid to try anything. Football was still my go-to sport though and the one I took part in the most. When I’m on holiday now I play tennis and basketball.
Did you play in any other positions as a youngster?
Full-back and in midfield are my two favourite positions. When I joined Chelsea, I was a midfielder but I quickly moved out wide and eventually into defence, which is where I play now.
What one footballing memory stands out in your career so far?
Making my international debut. Playing for England was a big moment for me and it would have to be the highlight of my career so far. It was in Marbella and we played against Russia - it was an honour and I hope to be able to represent the country again.
Tomorrow, we meet Everton for the fifth-round tie of this season's FA Youth Cup. The game will be live streamed on this website and the 5th Stand app, kick-off is 12:30pm.