As the Academy closed for the Christmas break, we caught up with Under-21s head coach Darren Powell to take stock of an eventful 2025.
From an exciting push in Premier League 2, to memorable nights in the Premier League International Cup, and a crop of Academy stars breaking into the senior setup, the year has already been packed with moments to remember.
Here’s what he had to say about the season so far and the progress of his young squad.
The last few games have been positive in terms of results
—Darren Powell
When reflecting on the 2025/26 season so far, Darren Powell highlighted the Premier League International Cup, where performances have improved following a difficult start.
The campaign began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Valencia at the VBS, a frustrating result given Palace created several chances and missed a penalty after falling behind early on.
Powell’s side responded in impressive fashion with a 3-1 victory over Juventus, producing a dominant first-half display as Adler Nascimento, Seb Williams and Benji Casey all found the net before Palace managed the game well despite a late Juventus goal.
Momentum continued with a crucial 3-2 win over group leaders FC Nordsjaelland, as Dylan Reid scored twice and Casey added another, with Palace holding firm under late pressure to keep their International Cup fate in their own hands.
Reflecting on the run of games, Powell noted the importance of bouncing back from the opening defeat, with six points from the Juventus and Nordsjaelland fixtures providing a lift and reward for the improved performances.
“The last few games have been positive in terms of results. After the defeat to Valencia, we knew we had to win the next two games against Juventus and FC Nordsjaelland. Even in the Valencia game, I thought we played well.
“We made a mistake in that first match, so we needed six points from the following two games, which we achieved. I feel we performed really well in both, so overall it’s been a positive run.”
The Newcastle game in particular was really disappointing
—Darren Powell
Turning attention to Premier League 2 Division One, Palace sit 12th heading into Christmas, though a win would lift the young Eagles as high as sixth.
Powell suggested the league position does not fully reflect performances, noting that Manchester United away and Newcastle at home were the only fixtures in which his side were truly outplayed.
The unbeaten league run came to an end with a 4-1 defeat away to leaders Manchester United in late September. Palace were competitive for long spells, with the game finely balanced at 2-1 before late goals saw United pull clear, despite Asher Agbinone’s superb strike offering hope of a comeback.
A month later, the young Eagles suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle at the VBS, conceding either side of half-time and unable to convert sustained pressure and several chances into a goal.
Reflecting on those defeats, Powell was candid, admitting the Newcastle performance was particularly disappointing as Palace never found their rhythm, while the United loss was shaped by defensive lapses late on after a game plan that had worked for much of the contest.
“The Newcastle loss was a poor performance from our point of view because we never really got going, which was disappointing, especially at home.
“Against Manchester United, we were still in the game at 2-1 going into the final 10 minutes and had a good chance on the edge of the box that we didn’t take.
“Our game plan worked for a long period, but defensively we let ourselves down late on. If we’re being brutally honest, that’s what cost us, but the Newcastle game in particular was really disappointing.”
From the warm-up to the final whistle, there was a real togetherness
—Darren Powell
Powell and his staff knew a reaction was required against Aston Villa on Halloween, and they got one. Palace U21s returned to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 victory away at Villa.
The young Eagles controlled the first half, with George King opening the scoring by flicking Benji Casey’s volley into the net, before Zach Marsh sealed the win late on with a composed one-on-one finish for his seventh goal of the campaign. The clean sheet, Palace’s first in seven matches, lifted the side back into the top 10.
On arguably our most complete performance so far this season, Powell said the response to the Newcastle defeat was crucial: “Villa was the next game after Newcastle, so we needed a strong reaction. They’re a good side with good players, but what we needed was a collective performance – and that’s exactly what we got.
“From the warm-up to the final whistle, there was a real togetherness. We didn’t drop our heads after Newcastle; we knew we were better than that, and we showed it against Villa, which was really pleasing.”
The EFL Trophy gives the boys a real reality check
—Darren Powell
Palace’s EFL Trophy campaign came to an end with a spirited 5-2 defeat away to League One high-flyers Stevenage, as the U21s finished bottom of Group E with one point. The group also included League Two Bromley and League One AFC Wimbledon, providing Powell’s side with a demanding test.
The campaign opened with an entertaining 3-3 draw away at Bromley, with Marsh scoring twice and Adler Nascimento producing a superb long-range effort. Palace narrowly missed out on the bonus point, however, losing the subsequent penalty shootout.
A disciplined display followed against AFC Wimbledon, but Palace were beaten 3-1, with Agbinone converting a penalty for a late consolation.
Needing a win by at least two goals against Stevenage to have any chance of progression, Palace battled hard but ultimately fell short.
Stevenage raced into a three-goal lead, before George King headed home on the stroke of half-time and Kaden Rodney’s composed finish reduced the deficit to 3-2. Further goals from the hosts, however, sealed the outcome.
On the competition, Powell highlighted its value for player development: “I’ve said many times that I like this competition because it gives the boys a real reality check of what’s coming if they want to play at League One or League Two level. Those are still good careers, and it’s difficult football.
“The physical challenges, first and second balls, and the demands of playing against senior teams are all things the boys need to experience and understand. The Bromley game stood out in terms of performance, even though we lost on penalties, while against Wimbledon small defensive errors proved costly.
“The margins are so fine. If you switch off for a moment, the ball can end up in the back of the net. That’s all part of the learning process for the boys.”
Nordsjaelland are one of the best teams I’ve seen and we matched them
—Darren Powell
Powell had inadvertently jumped ahead in the conversation before returning to the Premier League International Cup, where Benji Casey has made a strong impact.
Fresh from making his senior debut as a late substitute in the 3-0 UEFA Conference League win over Shelbourne, Casey scored his first U21s goal - since stepping up from the Under-18s - against Juventus a few weeks ago, before netting again in the victory over FC Nordsjaelland.
Nordsjaelland arrived as formidable opponents, having been one of the competition’s standout sides and, at the time, one of only two teams yet to concede in the tournament. Wins over Fulham and West Brom had underlined their defensive strength, making Palace’s task a significant one.
Reflecting on that performance, Powell said: “Even after the game, you walk away knowing they were top of the group and that it was always going to be tough. They’re one of the best teams I’ve seen in this competition.
“For us, the bottom line was whether we could get the three points against a very good side, and the way we started the game was brilliant. That said, conceding the two goals left a bit of a sour taste.
“People might not know Nordsjaelland by name, but what they do, they do extremely well, and I thought we matched that. It was a strong performance, with players like Benji Casey contributing goals, Zach Marsh playing alongside him up front, and Seb Williams operating as an eight.
“Overall, it was a good, solid display that gave us the three points and kept us alive going into the final game.”
The hard part isn’t getting up – it’s staying there
—Darren Powell
The season has also provided a clear pathway for several U18s to step up and play important roles with the U21s, including Charlie Walker-Smith, Jacob Fasida, Jasper Judd, Joel Drakes-Thomas and Benji Casey.
Powell believes progression is essential when players outgrow the challenge at U18s level, but stressed that earning promotion is only the first step: “If players are performing and the challenge is no longer there in the 18s, then at some point they have to step up, whether that’s training with us or getting minutes on the pitch.
“It’s vital for their development, and as a club we’re aligned on creating those opportunities.
“The hard part isn’t getting up – it’s staying there. It’s not a given. They have to keep working hard, training well and performing consistently. If they do that, while also showing the right attitude and respect on and off the pitch, then they’ll earn their opportunities.”
Our aim is to get players around the first team
—Darren Powell
Looking ahead to 2026, Powell outlined a clear vision built on performance, progression and opportunity: “We want the boys to keep performing and challenging each other, with as many players stepping up as possible – not just within our age group, but younger players having the courage to move up if they’re ready and developing.
“Our aim is to get players around the first team and, importantly, staying there. If some of them can pick up minutes, that’s the cherry on top.
“At the same time, we want a strong end to the season – younger boys coming through, pushing on, and performing well in the league and the cups. The league is always our priority, and we want to finish the season strongly.”
With senior debuts already handed to Rio Cardines, Benji Casey, Joel Drakes-Thomas, George King and Dean Benamar this season, Powell’s ambitions are already beginning to take shape...