The new cohort were welcomed to Stamford Bridge earlier this month for a special evening celebrating the significance of signing their scholarship agreements and taking the next step in their journey into full-time football.

Dan Hogan, head coach of the Under-18s, led the team to success by winning the Premier League national title last season, and he will continue to lead the team in the new campaign with support from assistant coach Frazer Robertson.

Several of the new scholars are already familiar with the Cobham environment, having progressed through the club’s development centre before making their Under-18 debuts last season. A number of the group have also featured for our Under-19s and Under-21s, gaining valuable experience across the Academy pathway.

Signing a scholarship represents a significant milestone for any young player as they continue their development towards senior football. Following their 17th birthday, scholars are also eligible to sign their first professional contracts, allowing them to take the next step in their careers.

After putting pen to paper on their scholarship agreements at Stamford Bridge, we caught up with members of our Academy coaching staff to learn more about the players joining the Under-18s squad on a full-time basis.

Kwamina Ampah

Kwamina joined the Chelsea Academy development centre as an Under-8 and progressed through the ranks at Cobham. A versatile attacking player, he is particularly strong in the air and poses a constant threat with his pace, creativity and flair in possession.

Jack Anderson

Jack joined Chelsea from Blackburn Rovers during his Under-15s season. A confident and creative attacking midfielder, he is comfortable on his left foot and capable of playing across a variety of attacking positions. His excellent work ethic and commitment are reflected in the intensity he brings to both training and matches.

Emmanuel Ayinde

Emmanuel signed for Chelsea from Millwall during his Under-15s season. A strong and composed centre-back, he combines an aggressive defensive approach with a determined mentality and a willingness to give everything for the team. His performances also earned him international recognition with England at Under-15 level.

Isaac Collinson

Following his spell at Middlesbrough, Isaac became a Blue during his Under-15 season. A confident and commanding goalkeeper, he is particularly accomplished with the ball at his feet. He made his Chelsea Under-18s debut in the Premier League Cup during a 3-3 draw at Cobham and has represented England at both Under-15 and Under-16 level.

Isaac Badu Da Silva

Having signed for Chelsea at age eight, Isaac has developed into an intelligent and composed defensive midfielder. Comfortable in possession and tactically aware, he provides a reliable presence in midfield.

While still a schoolboy, he became a regular for the Under-18s, helping the side win the Under-18 Premier League South title. He made his Under-21s debut in the EFL Trophy against senior opposition, including Northampton Town and Walsall.

He was also included in the Under-21s' starting line-up against Real Sociedad in the Premier League International Cup, with his performances earning him call-ups to Portugal's Under-17 squad.

Heze Grimwade

Having progressed through the Chelsea Academy development centre after signing as an Under-8, Heze has developed into a technical and creative attacking midfielder who is also comfortable playing out wide.

His progression through the ranks at Cobham saw him make his Under-18s debut at just 14 years old. During his Under-16 season, Heze became a regular in the Under-18s squad, underlining his goal-scoring threat by finding the net against Norwich City in a 3-1 away victory at just 15 years old.

Jayden Malundama

Jayden signed for Chelsea during his Under-8 season and has developed into a versatile defensive midfielder. A confident dribbler, he is difficult to dispossess and uses his close control to progress play from midfield.

As a schoolboy, he featured in the Under-17 Premier League Cup last season, marking the occasion with a goal in a 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic.

Jake Murray

Having signed for Chelsea from Luton Town as an Under-12, our goalkeeper has developed into a commanding presence. Strong in the air and authoritative in his penalty area, his performances have earned him call-ups to Under-18s matchday squads.

During his Under-16 season, he helped the side win the Reece and Lauren James Cup at Cobham with a series of impressive performances. He is also a regular member of the England Under-16s squad.

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli

Mahdi signed for Chelsea as an Under-8 and progressed through the age groups at Cobham, developing into a creative attacking midfielder.

At 15 years old, he became the club's youngest-ever starter in the UEFA Youth League, featuring against Benfica during the group stage, before becoming the competition's youngest goal scorer for Chelsea with his strike against Ajax.

During the 2025/26 season, Mahdi played a key role in the Under-18s' success, helping the side lift the Under-18 Premier League National title. He also featured for the Under-21s in the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.

On the international stage, he has represented England at Under-17 level.

Andrew Pennie

The striker joined Chelsea's development centre as an Under-8 and has developed into a quick and explosive forward with a natural eye for goal.

While still a schoolboy, he featured for the Under-18s, scoring important goals including a stunning strike against Birmingham City in a 3-1 victory at Cobham, as well as finding the net against West Ham United for Dan Hogan's side.

He also made his Under-21s debut during his Under-16 season, featuring in the EFL Trophy against Walsall at just 15 years old.

Gabriel Sambou

After joining Chelsea from Luton during his Under-12 season, he has developed into a versatile defender capable of playing at right-back and centre-back. A physical and technically gifted player, he has gained valuable experience at Under-18 level, featuring in a 5-0 victory over Birmingham.

He also made his UEFA Youth League debut against Qarabag, helping Chelsea secure a dominant 5-0 win. On the international stage, he previously captained England at Under-15 level before receiving call-ups to represent Poland at Under-17 level.

Reggie Watson

Reggie joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace during his Under-15 season and has developed into a composed central midfielder. Last season, he became a regular for the Under-18s, playing a key role in the side’s success as they lifted both the Southern and National Premier League titles, while featuring in the FA Youth Cup and scoring against Reading.

He also gained UEFA Youth League experience, appearing against PSV Eindhoven in the knockout stages, before making Under-21s appearances while still a schoolboy.

Reggie captained the side to victory in the Reece and Lauren James Cup at Cobham and continues to represent England at Under-16 level.