The players were officially welcomed earlier this month during a special evening at Stamford Bridge, where they signed their scholarship agreements, officially beginning their journey into full-time football.

Under-18s head coach Hassan Sulaiman remains at the helm after overseeing an impressive 2024/25 campaign. He is joined by a new assistant coach, Calum McFarlane, who arrives from Southampton and will bring fresh ideas and valuable experience to the group.

Many of our new scholars are already familiar faces at Cobham. Several featured for our Under-18s last season, others tested themselves at Under-21s level, while one was handed a senior debut by Enzo Maresca in the Conference League.

Signing a scholarship is a significant milestone for a player as they continue their journey towards senior football. And following a player's 17th birthday, they are eligible to sign their first professional contract, progressing further on their path.

After the new scholars put pen to paper on their scholarship agreements at the Bridge, we caught up with our Academy coaching staff to learn more about the players joining the Under-18s squad full-time.

Chris Atherton

Chris joins Chelsea for the 2025/26 season from Glenavon in Northern Ireland. A quick and clever winger, he made headlines as the youngest-ever senior debutant in United Kingdom football history at just 13.

Last season, he regularly featured at senior level for Glenavon, showcasing a fearless approach in attack. He has also represented his country as part of the Northern Ireland Under-17s international squad.

Toby Bell

Toby joined Chelsea from Sunderland during his Under-15s season and quickly established himself as a vocal and confident presence in goal. He played a crucial role in the Blues winning the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit Cup and National Final, showing strong leadership and composure under pressure.

Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Toby supports build-up play from the back. Last season, he made his Under-18s debut against Millwall in the Premier League Cup.

Jeremiah Berkeley-Agyepong

Jeremiah is a dynamic winger who joined Chelsea at Under-8s level and has stood out throughout his time in the Academy. Known for his pace, creativity and bravery in one-on-one situations, he played a key role in winning the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit Cup.

Last summer, during pre-season, he featured for our Under-18s, and impressed with his sharp attacking play.

Freddy Bernal

Signing at Under-8s level, Freddy has progressed steadily through the Academy, showing maturity and consistency. A calm and reliable goalkeeper, he featured in the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit National Final against Leeds United.

Last season, he stepped up to play for both the Under-17s and Under-18s, delivering strong performances throughout and earning regular invitations to England youth camps.

Calvin Diakite

Calvin joined Chelsea as an Under-11 and has developed into a commanding and disciplined defender. A natural leader, he was part of the Under-16s leadership group and is known for his vocal presence and physicality.

In the previous campaign, he featured regularly for the Under-18s, displaying maturity and an excellent understanding of defensive play. He has also been part of the England youth set-up.

Mathis Eboue

After joining Chelsea in January 2025 from Watford, Mathis made an immediate impact. A versatile and creative forward, he can operate across the front line and excels during attacking transitions.

Having made his Under-21s debut for Watford while still an Under-16, he has continued to build momentum and earned a place in the England youth set-up.

Chizaram Ezenwata

Chizaram joined Chelsea from Charlton Athletic as an Under-15 and quickly impressed with his sharp footwork and clinical finishing.

A regular starter for the Under-18s last season, he finished as the team’s top scorer and also made his Under-21s debut against Manchester City. His strong performances have earned him consistent call-ups to represent England.

Jacob Hall

Jacob joined Chelsea at Under-9s level and has developed into a smart, composed centre-back. Praised for his reading of the game and ability to win duels, he has become a leader within the defensive unit.

Last season, during his Under-16s year, he stepped up to the Under-18s, gaining valuable experience as he transitions into full-time football.

Charlie Holland

Charlie began his Chelsea journey as an Under-8 and has consistently demonstrated leadership from midfield. A strong holding midfielder, he combines defensive responsibility with attacking drive.

As part of the Academy’s Under-16s leadership group last season, he also made appearances for the Under-18s. He continues to represent England, showcasing his maturity and tactical intelligence.

Ryan Kavuma-McQueen

Having been at the club since the Under-8s level, Ryan has developed into an energetic and clinical winger. He played a key role in winning the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit Cup and became a regular for the Under-18s last season.

Ryan also featured for our Under-21s, scoring against Manchester United and Ipswich Town. He continues to impress on the international stage with England.

Isago Silva

Isago joined Chelsea in his Under-13s year and has grown into a tactically intelligent and versatile defender. Capable of playing at both left-back and centre-back, he was key to the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit Cup success.

Last season, as well as being a key player for the Under-16s, he made his Under-18s debut against Leicester City and showed intelligence and composure throughout.

Ibrahim Rabbaj

Ibrahim joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace in his Under-12s season and has developed into a creative attacking midfielder. Known for his flair and instinctive play, he was a key figure for the Under-16s last season and scored for the Under-18s against Leicester.

He recently represented Morocco internationally as part of the squad that lifted the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

Lewi Richards

Having started his Chelsea journey at Under-8s level, Lewi is a versatile player who is comfortable playing both in midfield and at centre-back. A committed and gritty performer, he was part of the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit Cup-winning side and featured regularly for the Under-18s last season.

Lewi is known for his physicality and wholehearted style of play. He has also represented England at youth level.

Joel Philbert

Joel joined Chelsea from West Ham during his Under-15s year. A direct and skilful winger, he excels in one-on-one situations and uses his pace effectively on the flanks.

Last season, he featured for the Under-18s and scored his first goal at that level in a league fixture against Brighton. Joel has also had opportunities with the England international set-up.

Dante Waite

Coming through Chelsea’s development centre in his Under-8s year, Dante has developed into a composed and dependable defender.

He played a key role in the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit Cup win and was part of the Under-16s leadership group. Last season, he featured consistently for the Under-18s, showcasing maturity and leadership.

Reggie Walsh

Reggie joined Chelsea at Under-8s level and has developed into a dynamic box-to-box midfielder. He stepped up to the Under-18s last season and also made appearances for the Under-21s.

He was named in the senior squad for the UEFA Conference League match against Legia Warsaw and made his debut in the following game against Djurgarden, coming on as a substitute before starting in the second leg.

Reggie continues to receive international recognition with England.

Congratulations to all our new scholars!