As the 2025/26 campaign moves into its decisive months, it is the ideal time to take stock of Crystal Palace Under-18s’ season so far – and to explain exactly what remains to play for.
Under Head Coach Javier Alonso, the young Eagles are still competing on all three fronts. They sit firmly in the mix in the U18 Premier League South title race, have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, and are through to the semi-finals of the U18 Premier League Cup.
Here’s a closer look at how Palace are shaping up as business season hits – and what lies ahead…
The U18 Premier League is the highest level of academy football in England. It is divided into two regional divisions – North and South – featuring 29 Category One academies.
Each team plays home and away fixtures within their regional division. At the end of the season, the two regional champions meet in a one-off National Final to determine the overall U18 Premier League title.
For Palace, that means topping the South division is the first objective. Only then does a national title match become possible.
Palace currently sit third in the U18 Premier League South on 28 points, level with West Ham United but ahead on goal difference. Tottenham Hotspur occupy second on 34 points, having played a game more, while Chelsea lead the division on 36 with a game in hand over most sides.
The young Eagles have won nine of their 16 matches, drawing once and losing six. Their 49 goals scored is the highest tally in the division, showcasing the attacking identity Alonso has instilled. A goal difference of +22 keeps Palace firmly in contention, though tightening up defensively could prove decisive in what is a congested table.
With 12 fixtures still to play, the run-in will shape the title race. The meeting with West Ham, level on points, is effectively a six-pointer. Facing leaders Chelsea offers a direct chance to close the gap at the top, particularly given their game in hand, while clashes with Spurs may determine how many rivals Palace are chasing in the final weeks.
The rivalry fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion brings added intensity beyond league mathematics. Meanwhile, encounters with lower-half sides – including Arsenal, Fulham, Reading, Norwich City and Ipswich Town – present an opportunity to pick up what are likely to be invaluable points.
With margins so fine, a strong run of results could quickly alter the standings.
Should Palace finish top of the South, they would progress to a National Final against the Northern champions, currently led by Manchester City.
The FA Youth Cup remains the most prestigious competition in academy football, mirroring the format of the senior FA Cup.
Palace have reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 2009/10 – a campaign that featured a young Wilfried Zaha.
Three impressive performances have carried the young Eagles to this stage, overcoming Bradford City, Newcastle United and Stevenage.
A 3–0 win under the Selhurst Park lights set the tone, followed by an emphatic 4–0 victory at Newcastle courtesy of braces from David Angibeaud and Benji Casey, before a hard-fought 2–1 success over Category Three high-flyers Stevenage secured progression.
Across the three ties, Palace have scored nine goals and conceded just once from open play.
They will now travel to face five-time winners and reigning holders Aston Villa in the quarter-final, with the tie to be played on or before Saturday, 14th March. Full fixture details, including a date, kick-off time and broadcast information, will be confirmed in due course.
Palace’s history in the competition is a proud one. The club lifted the trophy in 1977 and 1978, and reached the 1992 final against Manchester United celebrated “Class of ’92”. This current group now has the opportunity to add its own chapter…
The U18 Premier League Cup, introduced in 2020/21, begins with a regionalised group stage before progressing to knockout rounds.
Palace were drawn in a tough “group of death” alongside Manchester City – Premier League North leaders – Chelsea – Premier League South leaders – and Category Two high-flyers Sheffield United.
To progress, Palace needed to top the group. A dramatic 3–3 draw with City, a comfortable 3-1 win at Sheffield, and an emphatic 4–0 victory over Chelsea saw the young Eagles advance on goal difference.
A quarter-final win over Peterborough United has now set up a semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled for Wednesday, 4th March (12:00 GMT). The winners will progress to the final in April!
With 12 league matches still to play and two cup competitions alive, Palace’s Under-18s are set for a compelling run-in.
They remain within reach of the U18 Premier League South title, are just one win away from an FA Youth Cup semi-final, and one victory from a U18 Premier League Cup final.
The business end of the season has arrived – and this young Palace side have certainly earned the right to challenge on every front.
FA Youth Cup
U18 Premier League Cup
Under-18 matches are streamed LIVE on Palace TV+, with coverage starting 15 minutes before kick-off.
Supporters can also follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with full match reports and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights and extended reaction will also be available on Palace TV+.
Watch this space for ticket information should the young Eagles be drawn at home in either cup competition.
