The young Blues booked their place at this stage of the tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford in the opening round at Wheatsheaf Park. Goals from Kobe Barbour and Chizaram Ezenwata gave our FA Youth Cup campaign a positive start and laid the foundations for the next knockout challenge.

Next up is a midweek trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, where our Under-18s will aim to continue our cup run and secure a place in the fifth round of the competition. The game will be shown live for free on the Chelsea Official App and website.

One of the standout performers in that opening victory was Academy midfielder Reggie Walsh. Although a regular member of the Under-21s squad, Walsh remains eligible for Under-18s football at just 17 years of age and brings valuable experience to the side.

That experience includes exposure to the men’s game this season, having made his UEFA Champions League debut against Ajax at Stamford Bridge, as well as representing England at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Those opportunities have helped Walsh develop an understanding of the demands of high-intensity, high-pressure environments.

Following a training session at Cobham, we caught up with the midfielder to get his thoughts ahead of Wednesday’s FA Youth Cup fourth-round tie.

Reggie, how have you found the 2025/26 season so far?

'It’s been a really positive start, both for me and the team. We’ve been doing well across all competitions, like the UEFA Youth League and Premier League 2, so it’s been a good few weeks. We’ve set a solid foundation and everyone’s been working hard to keep that going.'

You’ve spent a lot of time with the Under-21s this season. How has that experience been?

'It’s been great. Playing with older players is always a challenge because the games are more physical and intense, but I try to take it in my stride and learn as much as I can from them. I’ve really enjoyed testing myself in that environment.'

How have you managed the physical and mental demands of playing in multiple competitions?

'It’s always tough, especially against older players, but I thrive on being involved in games. Physically, it’s demanding, so staying fit and strong is important. Mentally, it can be challenging when things don’t go your way, but I focus on improving and pushing myself to keep going.'

You’ve also made your Champions League debut this season. What was that experience like?

'It was surreal for me and my family. As a little boy, it’s something you can only dream of. On the pitch, I was focused on doing my best, but when I reflected afterward, it was incredible to realise what I’d achieved. I tried to take it all in my stride and enjoy the experience.

'I felt loads of support from the senior lads, especially from Reece [James] and Tosin [Adarabioyo]. They helped me a lot and encouraged me through the game. The reception from the crowd was amazing too, it really boosted my confidence.'

From having those experiences, who else do you look up to in the men's team?

'I look up to players like Cole [Palmer] and Moi [Caicedo] – how they carry themselves on the pitch and the standards they set. Watching them closely and playing against them has helped me learn from their game and incorporate parts of it into my own.'

Does it feel challenging coming back to the Under-18s after playing with the Under-21s, and how important are relationships off the pitch?

'A little, but I’m used to it. I’ve grown up with many of these team-mates since we were eight, so we have a strong connection and chemistry. Good relationships off the pitch carry over onto the field and it makes playing together much more natural.'

What excites you most about the FA Youth Cup?

'It’s a very prestigious competition with a lot of history. Chelsea has had a lot of success in it and we’re looking to continue that legacy.

'I enjoy playing in high-pressure games where it really counts, that’s where you see which players can step up when it matters. Personally, I want to help the team make its mark in the competition.'

How did you feel about your performance against Brentford in the last round?

'I thought it was positive. I managed to grab an assist, but I know I need to contribute more in the final third. Overall, I was pleased with how I played and how the team performed. It was a good platform to build on for the next round.'

How are you feeling going into the FA Youth Cup fourth-round tie against Reading?

'I’m feeling very positive and sharp. I want to make an impact in the final third, whether that’s goals or assists, and also help the team defensively when needed. We know Reading will be a strong challenge, but we’re focused and ready to give our all on the day.'

What would it mean for you and the squad to progress in the competition?

'It would be a massive boost to our confidence. There’s still a long way to go in the FA Youth Cup and we want to replicate the success of previous years with another strong performance. Progressing further would show the quality and determination of this group.'

Finally, do you have a message for the supporters ahead of the game?

'Keep supporting us! It’s a massive help, especially when we’re the away team. We’ll give everything to make the supporters proud.'

Watch the FA Youth Cup live

Our FA Youth Cup tie against Reading kicks off at 7pm on Wednesday 14 January and supporters in the UK can it live for free on the Chelsea Official App and website. Just head to our Reading vs Chelsea Under-18s Match Centre by clicking below or on the homepage shortly before kick-off. Ensure that you are registered and logged in with a free Chelsea account to view the stream.