Chelsea went into this break with winning momentum, securing back-to-back Under-18 Premier League victories with a 2-1 win over Fulham followed by an impressive 3-1 away win against Norwich City in our last match.

We started the Norwich game strongly, going ahead before half-time thanks to a solo strike by schoolboy Ryan Kavuma-McQueen. The forward pressured a defender, dispossessed the Norwich player, sprinted into open space and smashed the ball into the bottom corner.

Leading at the restart boosted our confidence and the performance grew stronger. A brilliant team goal followed, created by link-up play between more of the younger members of the side. Charlie Holland spotted Chizaram Ezenwata on the edge of the box, whose backheel allowed Reggie Walsh to hammer it home for his first Under-18s goal.

Despite going down to 10 men when Genesis Antwi was shown a red card, we stayed resilient, and Sol Gordon connected with Ollie Harrison’s looping cross to extend our lead. Although the home side scored during stoppage time, the Blues fought on and brought the three points back to Cobham.

Reflecting on that performance, Sulaiman said: 'Recently, I feel like I’ve seen real progression. In matches like the one against Reading, we faced obstacles due to their physicality and high press, which challenged our game plan to break through and accelerate the attack.

'In contrast, the Norwich game highlighted our progress, as we controlled possession, avoided forced errors and reduced turnovers. These experiences demonstrate our ability to adjust, learn and improve as a team.

'Over this period, the boys have developed resilience, learning to sustain effective performance through challenging spells.'

With this season's Chelsea Under-18s squad featuring a large number of first-year scholars, plus a few schoolboys moving up an age group, we have faced tough moments throughout the campaign so far.

Since the start of 2024/25, we’ve recorded four wins and five losses in the Under-18 Premier League. Although some of those results have been disappointing, we’ve learned valuable lessons along the way.

'The season has already given us significant challenges, giving both coaching staff and players opportunities to grow,' Sulaiman continued. 'We've faced tough competition that required us to adjust our game plan and adapt to a variety of playing styles.

'This process has been a major learning experience, especially for those stepping up from younger age groups or less experienced squads. Facing stronger, older and more physical teams has pushed the boys to mature quickly, enhancing their technical and tactical understanding.

'The transition for some Under-16s players stepping up to Under-18s has been impressive, although adapting to the faster pace has been challenging. Each game, the boys gain confidence and show growth.

'In the Norwich game, younger players like Calvin [Diakite], Ryan, Charlie, and Reggie stepped up, with Reggie scoring his first goal. The boys continue to learn from each match and these experiences are shaping their confidence and performance on the field.'

Although the Blues fixtures are currently on pause during the international break, the Under-18s remain busy training at Cobham, using this time to recover, reflect and prepare for our return to action.

We next turn our focus to an away fixture against Millwall in the Under-18 Premier League Cup, hoping to continue our winning run in the competition after beating Stoke City and Newcastle United in our two matches so far.

'We enter the break after two consecutive wins, which has boosted morale and created a positive atmosphere. Winning gives them a spring in their step and eagerness to keep learning and improving.

'Despite inevitable ups and downs, the boys have shown consistency and resilience, demonstrating their commitment to growth and teamwork.

'We are using this international period effectively as we shift our focus to the upcoming Premier League Cup fixture.'