The latest instalment of our series looking at the upbringing of Chelsea Academy youngsters focuses today on Luke Badley-Morgan, who reminisces on his Senrab days and describes playing for his country as his biggest achievement...
Can you remember your first footballing memory?
My first memory of playing football would have to be a Brazilian soccer school that I went to, it was small-sided games where we learned how to keep the ball. I used to go there twice a week and I loved it.
Where did your footballing journey start?
After the Brazilian soccer school I had a little bit of a break from football before I joined a team in east London called Senrab. I was there for two years and I enjoyed it, we started as a new team and all the boys were really close. We just clicked as a squad and smashed teams every week, we ended up winning the league but after them two years we all went our own way.
Were there any other sports you were in to as a kid?
In school I played every sport possible, I was really active. I played cricket, football, table tennis, athletics, everything! I still enjoy playing some of those sports but I don’t really get the time to nowadays.
Did you play in any other positions?
While at Senrab I didn’t really have a fixed position, I didn’t care about where I played just as long as I was playing. I love being a defender now though.
Did you have any idols as a youngster?
Vidic. He would put his body on the line for the game but was equally a good player on the ball. He was a leader, hardworking and kept himself grounded – a player I would like to be like during my career.
Which one memory in your career stands out so far?
It would have to be getting selected to play for England. My age group is quite strong and when I get selected I’m one of the youngest there, it’s a great honour. I get to play with players from all over the world against the best of the best, to get picked is a big achievement for me.
Tomorrow, Ed Brand and Luke Badley-Morgan travel to Norwich in the Under-18 Premier League. Kick-off at the Lotus Training Centre is 12pm and the team will want to improve on their defeat against Reading last time out in order to close the gap at the top of the table.
LIVE ON THIS WEBSITE AND THE 5TH STAND APP!Next weekend, a live stream can be viewed of Chelsea Under-18s vs Tottenham U18s. Kick-off is 11am on Saturday 6 March.