Our Under-16s are set to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Under-16 Premier League Cup final on Saturday, with coach Tom Hart declaring: “We’re all very excited for the occasion!”
Our youngsters have enjoyed an impressive run in the competition, coming through two group stages before defeating Chelsea 3-1 in the semi-final to set up the showpiece match across the capital.
For Tom, the chance for his players to develop while competing for silverware in a Premier League stadium is a valuable one.
“The players and staff have worked hard to get here, coming through seven difficult games against some top teams, so it’s a brilliant opportunity for the group,” he said.
“As always, it’s a big thank you to all of our parents for their continued support, and also to Fulham for hosting the final at Craven Cottage. They’re a club with very good staff and talented players, so it should make for a really competitive and enjoyable game. We’re all very excited for the occasion.”
Tom, who is assisted in leading our Under-16s by our former midfielder Tom Carroll, will be looking to emulate our Academy’s recent success in Premier League Cups after we won the Under-17 version last season, in addition to the Under-17 and Under-18 double in 2022/23.
The first group stage in this season’s competition mirrored our fixtures in the Under-18 Premier League Cup – a 1-0 home win over Reading was followed by a 2-2 draw at Burnley and a 4-0 home victory against Derby County.
After the turn of the year, a second group phase yielded a 4-1 win at Middlesbrough, a 1-1 home draw with Manchester City and a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa. Chelsea were then defeated at Hotspur Way in March as we made it through to the final.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 12pm UK – tickets are available for free via Fulham’s website (under-14s must be accompanied by an adult).