Supporting Chelsea isn't all about the first team. There is the Reserve team and there is the Academy. The Academy consists of players from U18s downwards to U9s, U8s, U7s.
Pictured at the top is a rising star called Scott Sinclair. Scott was signed from Bristol Rovers as a sixteen year old and had already played for the Bristol Rovers first team when he was still 15.
Currently Scott has progressed to the reserve team where he has formed a lethal partnership with a 17 year old Israeli Youth International called Ben Sahar. Prior to the reserve game against Arsenal, Ben and Scott scored all FIVE goals between them when the reserves beat Portsmouth Reserves 5-0.
Incidentially Ben scored a hat-trick.
Scott has represented England at Youth level.
Like the first team, both the Reserves and Academy play their matches every week - the Reserves play their home games at Aldershot Town FC and the Academy play their home games at Chelsea's training ground at Cobham.
The Academy lost their unbeaten league record last Saturday losing a thrilling game away against Crystal Palace, 4-3. This despite being 2-0 up within the first fifteen minutes.
Before the game the Academy had played nine and won nine.
The Reserves have only played four matches so far this season and they have won three and lost one. The Reserves most recent victory was away at Arsenal last Monday when they won 2-1.
Chelsea Football Club do have a Ladies team as well, but for no apparent reason it is extremely difficult to found information out about the girls, but when I do you will be the first to know.
I am fortunate to have a subscription to Chelsea TV and I get to see the Reserves LIVE when they play and Chelsea TV also gives me the opportunity to keep-up-to date with the progress of the Academy team.
One day I will get to Cobham to see the Academy play for real.