Prior to the new campaign, a group of 16 new scholars returned to Cobham, where they signed their contracts this week at a Stamford Bridge function.
For a fourth consecutive season, Ed Brand will oversee our Under-18 team with help from Andy Ross and Jimmy Smith, a former Chelsea Academy alumnus.
Ross will work alongside head coach Tore Andre Flo for the balance of the year while on secondment at Norwegian second tier team Sogndal.
All but three of the new academics played youth team football during the previous academic year, when Brand's team finished seventh, advanced to the FA Youth Cup semifinals, and won the Under-18 Premier League Cup after defeating Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Under-16 age group won the Premier League national championships, meanwhile.
Before they are allowed to sign their first professional football contract on or after turning 17 years old, all players in their Under-17 year must begin the season under a scholarship arrangement.
After the players signed their contracts, we spoke with Jim Fraser, the assistant head of youth development, to get the inside scoop on the new scholars.
You can also watch video of the Stamford Bridge signing ceremony.
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