Following a proud evening when 16 of our young players signed scholarship deals with the club to join our squad full-time, our focus quickly shifted to the work on the pitch.

Our Under-18s, led by head coach Hassan Sulaiman, began pre-season with an intensive training camp in Belgium. Across the week, the team concentrated on regaining sharpness, building physical resilience and reconnecting with the technical demands of competitive football.

That hard work culminated in a friendly fixture against Dutch side FC Eindhoven, where every member of our travelling squad gained valuable minutes and the chance to test ourselves in a match setting. After returning from Belgium, we caught up with the head coach to reflect on the experience.

'The trip was a great experience and gave valuable exposure to our younger players,' Sulaiman said. 'It gave us a chance to see them in a new environment, understand their personalities and potential, and begin to shape how we support their development.

'They’re still just kids who love playing the game and it’s vital that we protect that passion, but it’s also our role to guide them towards professionalism. That balance is key. Some players found that shift challenging but, once they were on the pitch, their talent really came through. They just wanted to express themselves and that’s exactly what we want to encourage.'

Meanwhile, back at Cobham, our Under-21s were continuing their preparations with a competitive pre-season fixture against senior opposition, in League Two side Bromley. The match posed a strong physical challenge and gave us an opportunity to rotate the squad and build fitness.

Shortly after, it was the Under-21s’ turn to travel abroad, as they also headed to Belgium, for a friendly against Club Brugge. Goals from Shumaira Mheuka and Harrison Murray-Campbell underlined the progress made, as we build momentum toward the new campaign.

We also caught up with Under-21s assistant coach James Simmonds, who reflected on one of the key values the coaching staff aimed to reinforce during the trip.

'Togetherness is so important,' Simmonds began. 'That was probably one of the biggest positives from the week. On the pitch, the atmosphere was buzzing and energetic.

'You could really feel that sense of togetherness. We made sure to have fun too. There were activities where the boys could express themselves, which is really important off the pitch. For example, we had a paddle tennis tournament, which they loved.

'We want to win things this season - that’s always the goal - but to do that, you need to be a strong unit. Pre-season is the time to start building that, with sessions that promote a collective mentality and unity. I think we really achieved that.'

Back at Cobham, our Under-18s continued their schedule with an away fixture against Sholing. On the day, the young Blues were delighted to see Chelsea men’s team defender and Academy graduate Levi Colwill, who visited to share his advice and encouragement with the squad.

Off the pitch, the Academy also remained active throughout the summer. Many of the squad have taken part in Chelsea Foundation summer schools, engaging with international students visiting the club.

Those sessions helped the players develop their communication skills and gain confidence in public speaking - valuable tools for life, both on and off the pitch.

As pre-season continues, both squads are focused on the next round of friendly fixtures, as the intensity continues to build, and we will be catching up on their progress again before the competitive action begins.