Last year was another successful one for the Chelsea Academy, marked by debut appearances in various men's competitions, including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Premier League and UEFA Conference League, both home and away.

From players who joined Chelsea at Under-8 levels through our development centre, to those who arrived later in their journey in youth football, we all share one dream - to help our players progress and transition into the senior game.

Josh Acheampong featured in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur back in May, shortly before Coelho's arrival at Chelsea over the summer, and the defender has continued to be involved at senior level this season, most recently impressing on his full Premier League debut at Crystal Palace yesterday. Tyrique George was next to be added to the list in August, making his first senior appearance in the Conference League against Servette. This was followed by a series of other debuts in the same competition.

Samuel Rak-Sakyi played against Noah, and Ato Ampah, Shumaira Mheuka and Kiano Dyer all made their debuts against Astana in Kazakhstan. The final debut of the year also came in a European fixture, for defender Harrison Murray-Campbell, who played against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge in December.

As 2025 begins and Academy fixtures resume following the winter break, the ambition to add more names to our Academy debut list remains strong. The hard work continues at Cobham, pushing towards making our players’ dreams a reality.

‘I'm incredibly happy for the players,’ said Coelho. ‘We saw many boys make their debut for the men’s team before the New Year. I’m very happy because it means that we have a lot of quality and talent in the Academy. It reflects all the work that, for many years, not only the players but also all of the staff behind the scenes have put in.

‘The hard work in the Chelsea Academy is clear and has been for a long time. It’s great to see that we are promoting these talents and developing these players to help them survive in men’s football and prepare them in the best way for their next steps.

‘It’s really a joy to see them performing in the men’s team on a bigger stage, in front of a crowd and playing with senior players. It’s a great experience for them. With the men’s team doing well, it has given the opportunity for the young players to showcase what they can do.

‘For the players who have made their debuts, it’s not just about the work they’ve been doing this season, it’s about the moments since they joined the club or started their footballing careers. Every moment and step has led to this milestone, and it’s a huge achievement.’

Two of our debutants, Acheampong and George, have reached another landmark in their careers by making the permanent move across the road at Cobham from the Academy to the men’s building, joining Enzo Maresca's squad full-time.

Both players have worn the Blues shirt since Under-8s level and have steadily impressed as they worked their way up the ranks, starting the 2024/25 season in Coelho's Under-21s squad. Their qualities have led them to achieve a step they have always aspired to reach, leaving the coach delighted, even if it means he won't be able to call on them for his own matches so often.

Filipe continued: 'With Josh and Tyrique moving to the building across the road, it’s another great achievement. Working in developmental football, that’s the end goal! We want our players to progress and develop into great players who can have brilliant professional careers. I am so pleased with them.

'It’s flattering in some ways as well, because it shows that our hard work is being recognised. People are acknowledging the performances the team has been showing, as well as the individuals shining on the pitch. We want this to happen, and that’s exactly what has happened!

'The boys have worked exceptionally hard for this moment since they started playing football. They also know the hard work doesn’t stop now, just because they’ve made the move. In some ways, it’s only just begun. I know they will give everything they have each day to show they deserve to be in that position, just as they did in the Academy.'

With action back in full swing at Cobham, the rest of the boys in the Under-21s are growing increasingly determined, ready to make 2025 their year to leave a mark on the senior side, and join the list of graduates to have made their senior debut which is proudly on permanent display inside the Academy building.

'For the rest of the boys in the squad, this is a great moment because it shows them that anything can happen. We want the boys to see the achievements of others, which will only motivate them to be the next ones added to the debut wall.

'Overall, it’s been great for the boys and I’m so pleased with the performances. We want to continue doing our jobs, developing the best talent and focusing on the players' path to the senior game.'