Defender Acheampong has been with the club since Under-8 level, having progressed through the development centre at Cobham.

After impressing throughout the age groups, he is now involved with the Under-21s squad. He has also had the chance to gain experience with the men's team, starting when he made his senior Chelsea debut in a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge during the 2023/24 season.

Acheampong has already had a busy start to the 2024/25 season and stepped out onto the Stamford Bridge pitch again, coming on during the senior team's first Carabao Cup tie of the campaign, when the Blues secured a 5-0 victory against League Two side Barrow.

'My season has started off on a huge high,' the 18-year-old said. 'Going away for pre-season with the men’s team, being involved in the Barrow fixture and putting in some solid performances with the Under-21s side.

'Overall, I’d say I’ve started well and already gained some extremely valuable experience. Being at Chelsea since the Under-8s, I feel really connected to the club, as anyone would.

'To say that I’ve worked my way up the age groups, I’ve loved every experience I’ve had here and to see that I’ve continued to grow and progress is a bonus. I plan to keep working hard to develop even further.'

Acheampong was one of 28 players who was taken by Enzo Maresca to travel on the men's pre-season tour of the USA in July, along with his Under-21s team-mate Tyrique George, gaining experience of the first-team environment.

'The pre-season tour was so valuable. I got to play at the top level against tough competition, but it was also an opportunity to get to know the senior squad on a more personal level. Making new connections within any team is important, if not everything. Those players are where I hope to be. Gaining advice and listening to their experiences helps me and it always pushes me to get to where they are.

'Playing against Barrow was another great experience. It gave me more confidence and more minutes under my belt, which will help me continue to progress and develop.

'I’m excited to see what’s next and to keep working hard. Being able to play senior football helps develop my skills to the next level, which I can bring back to Under-21s football.

'It’s different, but when I transition back to the Academy, I feel I have more to give. I’m physically and mentally ready to play any game now and I can thank my experiences for that.'

In addition to his involvement with the men’s team, Acheampong remains a valuable member of Chelsea’s Under-21s squad under head coach Filipe Coelho.

Looking ahead to our second Premier League Cup match of the season against Bournemouth on Monday, following a successful 6-3 opening group-stage win against Brentford at Kingsmeadow, the Blue shared his thoughts on working under the Portuguese coach.

'Filipe is very similar to Enzo. They have similar styles of play and share the same goals and mindset. This makes the transition between them easier, as there is little difference between their styles. Just like Filipe, Enzo is passionate about teamwork and building connections within the squad, whether on or off the pitch.

'Having a good bond off the pitch is just as important, as it creates friendships. Knowing that your team-mates have your back makes you want to work harder on the pitch.

'The strong links between the men's and Under-21s teams is important. It's great that Chelsea works in this way. It's clear throughout the club we follow the same mentality, which prepares you as much as possible for the next stage.'

Acheampong concluded by discussing his personal development and goals for the remainder of this busy season, acknowledging the importance of managing his condition over the course of the campaign.

'As I’ve said, I want to keep working hard and progressing on and off the pitch. My main goal this season is to stay fit and, fingers crossed, have an injury-free season so I can keep pushing to be the best I can be.

'It’s important to take care of your body throughout the season, as it’s an intense period that can be demanding. By being sensible and focusing on recovery, I should stay in top physical condition, which will give me the chance to grow my skills even more.'