Sands joined Chelsea at the beginning of his Under-8 season after progressing through our pre-Academy programme.

He was a consistent performer as our Under-16s won the Premier League National Tournament during the 2023/24 season. Later in that schoolboy campaign, he made his Under-18s debut against Leicester City and marked the occasion with a clean sheet.

Sands signed his first professional contract in October 2024, shortly after turning 17-years-old. He went on to establish himself as a regular for our Under-18s, making 16 appearances in all competitions during his first full season at that level.

Last season, Sands made nine Under-18 Premier League appearances. He also made the step up to the Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League, featuring in our impressive 5-0 group-stage victory over Qarabag.

The keeper will now continue his development with a season-long youth loan at Isthmian League Premier Division side Dulwich Hamlet, gaining his first experience of senior football.

Congratulations and good luck, Hudson!