Reggie's is the latest name to be added to our Academy debut wall, and the eighth from the 2024/25 season. It was a moment shared with the staff and team-mates who have supported him every step of the way.

Before we look ahead, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on what was a remarkable season for our Academy and its role in supporting the men’s squad through player development. The 2024/25 campaign was one to remember, as eight Academy graduates made their senior debuts.

That number speaks volumes about the talent, commitment and mentality being nurtured every day at Cobham. Under men’s head coach Enzo Maresca, these young Blues senior debuts contributed to the club winning European silverware in the UEFA Conference League and securing UEFA Champions League qualification with a strong Premier League finish.

It all began on a European night in Switzerland, when Tyrique George stepped onto the pitch against Servette in the Conference League qualifying play-off round. George, alongside defender Josh Acheampong, continued to impress throughout the season, eventually earning permanent places in the senior squad.

In November, midfielder Samuel Rak-Sakyi made a memorable debut during the Blues’ emphatic 8-0 victory over Noah. The momentum continued in Kazakhstan, as Academy trio Ato Ampah, Kiano Dyer and Shumaira Mheuka seized their chance to impress during a hard-fought 3-1 away win in cold conditions against Astana.

The following month brought another milestones, when defender Harrison Murray-Campbell was introduced as a substitute against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge.

In February, Blues striker Mheuka made his Premier League debut against Southampton at Stamford Bridge, where the team secured a dominant 4-0 win. Soon after, Genesis Antwi extended the Academy’s contribution in the Conference League by making his first senior appearance during the home win over Copenhagen.

To cap off an unforgettable campaign, Walsh - still a schoolboy at the time - made history as the third-youngest player ever to debut for our men’s team. He came on against Djurgarden at just 16 years old and went on to start in the second leg, playing in front of the home supporters.

The tradition of adding names to the Academy debut wall began with the birth of the Premier League in 1992. Today, it stands as a living tribute to the vital bridge between the Academy and the men’s team, and a daily reminder of what’s possible for every young Blue.

Earlier this month, we caught up with Reggie at Stamford Bridge as he signed his scholarship terms, to reflect on his early experiences with the senior side.

‘It was a great moment,’ said the midfielder on his men's debut. ‘Chelsea means everything to me. Playing football is what I love most.

‘Making my debut was surreal. It’s something you dream of, but nothing can truly describe that feeling.

‘I am focused on pushing forward this upcoming season, staying hungry and working hard every day. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities to show what I can do.’

With 94 names engraved on the plaques lining the main corridor at Cobham, the Academy debut wall stands as a constant source of inspiration for every young player.

As we look ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, we hope to add even more Academy success stories to this proud legacy.