Waite joined Chelsea at Under-8 level through our development centre and has progressed into a composed and reliable centre-back within the Academy system at Cobham.

During the 2024/25 season, he featured regularly for the Under-18s as a schoolboy, before becoming a consistent presence in defence following his scholarship. In the 2025/26 campaign, he was appointed captain of the Under-18s.

The 17-year-old also gained valuable European experience in the UEFA Youth League, making two appearances in victories over Qarabag and Atalanta.

He played a key role as the Under-18s lifted the Premier League South title and captained the team in the Premier League National Final victory over Manchester City.

On the international stage, Waite has represented England Under-18s twice, featuring in wins over Greece and Cyprus in May.

Congratulations, Dante!