The FA Youth Cup has long been a cornerstone of our Academy’s history. Chelsea have lifted the trophy nine times, with generations of players using the competition to showcase their potential on the national stage. The excitement surrounding the tournament remains as strong as ever.

Last season, the Blues kicked off our campaign with a dramatic victory away at Leicester City. A confident performance at Kingsmeadow followed, defeating Merstham Town, before our journey ended against Manchester United in the fifth round. That experience has informed preparations for this year’s campaign, as Chelsea aim to finish 2025 with a place in the fourth round.

Chelsea enter the competition with an away tie at Brentford on Tuesday evening, which you can watch live for free on the Chelsea Official App and website, promising a lively west London clash and the final Academy fixture of the year before we enter the winter break.

'We’re really excited and looking forward to the competition,' Sulaiman said. 'It’s a tournament with real history and the club has performed very well in it over the past decade. The boys are feeling positive, the staff are in a good place and we hope for a successful campaign.

'The spirit of the FA Youth Cup is always special. You see clubs from grassroots level right through to Category One academies and that variety is what makes the competition so enjoyable.

'Every team gets the chance to test themselves against some of the best young players in the country, many of whom aspire to become professionals. It always creates a high level of competition.'

Sulaiman is no stranger to guiding Chelsea Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup, with this marking his third season in the competition. Knockout football brings its own unique pressures and he has focused on preparing the squad for the physical and mental demands it presents.

'The boys want to make their own bit of history,' he continued. 'We’ve discussed different scenarios they might face and we’re doing everything we can to prepare them properly.

'In cup matches, we work on elements that matter most - extra time, penalties and managing the pressure of the occasion. Emotions rise quickly, so we help the boys regulate them. They can’t be too high or too low, but must embrace the atmosphere.

'We know it will be a derby. Supporters will be close to the pitch and the environment might be challenging at times. We hope the boys are ready for that.

'A couple of seasons ago, we lost on penalties to Millwall. That experience has stayed with us and highlighted the importance of preparing for every possibility. We also learned valuable lessons about managing extra time, understanding the flow of the game and staying disciplined both in and out of possession. These lessons don’t just help us in the Youth Cup, they contribute to the boys’ long-term development.'

Chelsea’s first test comes against Premier League side Brentford, who compete in the Under-18 Professional Development League. We asked Sulaiman how he views the challenge.

'We’ve watched Brentford and know they’re resilient and well-organised,' Sulaiman said. 'On the night, league form and category status matter less than who performs with belief and authority. It becomes a contest between two sides looking to impose their style.

'If we can’t do that, we must find another way to win. We expect a tough match, but we hope to be at our best and progress to the next round.

'I want the boys to play with confidence. Our league form has been strong and we aim to replicate that quality here. We focus on the four Cs - control, connect, create and compete. If we stay true to those principles, we give ourselves a very good chance.'

Several players have gained valuable experience this season with the Under-21s under Calum McFarlane and in the UEFA Youth League at Under-19s level. Those challenges have broadened their understanding of different styles and levels of competition.

'It is a competitive group,' Sulaiman explained. 'Players who spend time with the Under-21s naturally return to the squad and our camaraderie is strong. We work hard to create an environment where competition is both healthy and expected.

'The starting line-up may change from round to round, so unity becomes even more important. Players need to push each other but also support one another. Those who don’t start or aren’t in the squad still play vital roles. They might be the ones who come on to win the game or help see a result through to the end.

'I want to see the boys give everything. They must compete for places and compete for each other. The togetherness of the group, combined with the quality across the pitch, will be essential as we progress through the competition.'

Chelsea supporters can secure tickets for the match at Wheatsheaf Park on Tuesday 16 December for a 7pm kick-off. It promises an opportunity to watch some of the Academy’s most exciting young talent in action.

'The FA Youth Cup brings everyone together,' Sulaiman said. 'To the supporters thinking of travelling to Brentford, we hope you can join us. We want the boys to feel that support.

'It’s a London derby and the atmosphere may be lively, but it’s a fantastic chance to see the quality we have in the Academy. We aim to play attractive football and deliver a strong performance to progress to the next round.

'Playing in front of a crowd brings a different type of pressure, which is crucial for their development. Whether the crowd is 5,000 or 50,000, the boys must take responsibility on the pitch because they won’t always hear us as coaches.

'Once we give them the information they need, they work together, solve problems and manage challenges as a group. Playing in a stadium environment accelerates their growth and prepares them for what lies ahead.'

If you can't make it to Wheatsheaf Park to cheer on the Under-18s in person, you can watch our FA Youth Cup third round tie against Brentford live for free on the Chelsea Official App and website, by going to our Brentford vs Chelsea Under-18s Match Centre, of via the homepage shortly before kick-off at 7pm on Tuesday 16 December.