Josh Acheampong will be using the lessons learned from his experience with the men's team to help his Under-18s team-mates when we take to on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the Under-18 Premier League national final on Tuesday evening.
Josh Acheampong has already had a special season. Not only has he played a significant role in Hassan Sulaiman’s team on their journey to the Under-18 Premier League southern title, but he also made his debut for Mauricio Pochettino’s senior side earlier this month, in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge
It could still get better for the defender, too, as he looks ahead to Tuesday evening’s Under-18 Premier League national final against Manchester United, when he hopes to add another trophy to this season’s Academy success on his return to the Stamford Bridge pitch which hosted his senior debut less than two weeks ago.
‘I am buzzing for this United game,’ Acheampong said. ‘We have done all the preparation that is needed and we are ready to go out and perform to our best ability to get the win.
‘The squad is happy with our recent performances and the previous games have given us confidence going into this clash. It will be a difficult battle, but mentally we are ready.
‘I don’t think anyone is nervous for the game, we are more excited. However, if there are any nerves in the dressing room, I feel that with my previous experience playing on the pitch in front of thousands, I will be able to settle those feelings and help guide the boys out.’
Acheampong believes that the big occasion will have a positive impact on the team's performance, having experienced first-hand throughout his debut the effect the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge can have on a player.
‘I’m thrilled that the boys will be able to experience playing on the big stage. It almost feels like an out-of-body experience and it is just surreal. There is no better feeling.
‘It will be great to have the chance to play in front of a big crowd so we are able to show what the next generation of Chelsea could look like.’
Reflecting on his personal experience at the Bridge against Spurs, Acheampong entered the fray as an 84th-minute substitute - replacing another graduate of the Cobham Academy, Alfie Gilchrist - and contributed to the Blues back-line keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 win.
He learned a lot from that experience and his time training with the senior squad, who gave him support and advice to help his future career.
Acheampong continued: ‘One of the most memorable lessons I learned from the first team is the importance of togetherness. We need to fight as a team and support each other on and off the field.
‘We have a strong bond already as a team, but as we head into this final our connection will only get closer. We all want to win the trophy, not only for ourselves but for each other and for our coaching staff, who have helped us along the way.’
The young Blue finished by describing what winning the national final would mean to him and his team-mates. With this current season already filled with Academy accomplishments, Acheampong says it would be the icing on the cake..
‘To win the national title would mean everything to us. To lift the trophy in front of our supporters would be the perfect ending to the season,’ Acheampong concluded.