Under-18s Lead Coach Oliver Reiss says he is incredibly proud of his squad and thanked his players for another memorable season.

In our final outing of 2025/26, the City youngsters took on Under-18 Premier League South title winners Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Under-18 Premier League National final.

Two early goals for the hosts, from Chizaram Ezenwata and Mathis Eboue, set the tone for the London outfit who were seeking revenge for City’s 4-1 triumph over Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup earlier this year.

Despite a valiant fight from his players, Reiss’s side fell to a 5-1 defeat, with Ryan McAidoo’s fantastic, curling left-footed finish a consolation for the Blues.

Whilst the defeat felt raw and tough to take at full-time Reiss was quick to still express immense pride in his squad, with many now preparing to take the step up to the Elite Development Squad.

“I am proud,” stressed Reiss.

“I know this can happen, it should not have been a 5-1 at the end but against a good team, we knew it before, it was their day, it was not our day. Sometimes you can find reasons for this, sometimes you can’t. 

“I will tell them [the team] in the changing room that I am proud, thank you again to the lads for this season and again for me working together now for two years with some of the lads and they now go to the EDS and next steps. 

“It’s also for me after two years also a little bit emotional sometimes.”

Friday’s clash saw the curtain fall on a memorable campaign with the Under-18 Premier League North and FA Youth Cup trophies at the City Football Academy, an incredible achievement for Reiss and the team. 

But away from the silverware and triumphs, Reiss reiterated the importance of losses such as Friday night’s in terms of aiding the development of his young charges

“We need games like this,” added Reiss.

“These challenges, this pressure, these crowds, the stadiums to develop the players. I’m not just thinking about playing the games and winning the games but also, no one wants it, but even losing these games can give you a lot in terms of what you need for future. 

“How to deal with it now, the resilience, having the respect after the game to deal with the emotions. No one wants to lose but it’s the next opportunity to improve.”

And on the motivation now to retain two trophies and continue our chase for the National title, Reiss added:  “I am really looking forward to next season and working with the next generation.”