It has been a busy few weeks for both squads, who returned to the training pitches for an intensive programme designed to build fitness and sharpness ahead of the new campaign.

The schedule began with a pair of friendly fixtures at Cobham. Our Under-18s made an impressive start to pre-season, securing a 5-3 victory over Portsmouth. Four different players got on the score sheet, including new scholars Heze Grimwade and Kwamina Ampah.

Meanwhile, our Under-21s were held to a goalless draw against Cardiff City. Although the game finished without a goal, it provided valuable minutes as the squad continued to build match fitness.

Both professional development phase squads then travelled to Spain for a week-long pre-season camp, where they benefited from warm-weather training and further preparations. The tour concluded with fixtures against Spanish side Villarreal.

Following our return to Cobham, both sides will continue their pre-season schedule with further friendlies. Our Under-18s host Bournemouth on Tuesday 4 August before travelling to Leeds United four days later on Saturday 8 August.

The Under-21s welcome Charlton Athletic to Cobham on Saturday 8 August before travelling to Eindhoven to compete in the Otten Cup, providing another valuable test ahead of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.