The young Blues were winners of the annual Premier League tournament after coming out on top following a tough group stage and some gruelling knockout matches against some of the best teams from around the country.

After being drawn into a tricky group alongside Manchester United, Tottenham and Middlesbrough, the boys were unbeaten and finished top with seven points from three games, conceding only one goal in the process.

That meant a smooth passage through to the semi-finals, where we faced perennial foes at academy level in Manchester City. The players approached the clash with confidence and triumphed 2-1, the same scoreline by which we won the final against a physical and strong opponent in Everton.

Under-16s head coach Hassan Sulaiman praised his side's achievement and their ability to overcome fatigue with a winning mentality when it mattered.

'Once we reached the final, the staff and I knew the boys were physically and mentally fatigued but our club value 'Here To Win' then kicked in,' he told the official Chelsea website.

'Throughout the tournament, they had displayed the togetherness required for any team to win a tournament like this. To be crowned the best team in the country is something we should all be very proud of.'

Captain Michael Golding was presented with the Player of the Tournament award and then capped off an incredible few weeks by winning the Val de Marne Tournament with England Under-16s. Assistant coach Andy Boughey praised him for being 'a catalyst in midfield and a role model captain, who led by example on and off the pitch.'

Congratulations to the players, staff and everyone involved in another fantastic achievement for the Chelsea Academy!