Meet Palace's new Academy scholars

Announcement

30 Jul 2026

Crystal Palace's newest intake of Academy scholars have officially embarked on the next stage of their footballing journeys after signing two-year scholarship agreements ahead of the 2026/27 season.

For 12 of the 13 players, that moment marked the culmination of years spent developing through the Academy pathway at Copers Cope, while Northern Ireland youth international Alfie Mulvenna arrives from Larne after making senior history with his hometown club.

Following the signing event alongside their families, we caught up with the new scholars to learn more about their journeys to Palace, the moments that have shaped them and what supporters can expect to see from them in red and blue.

Get to know the class of 2026/27 below...

Lucca Benetton

An agile and commanding ‘keeper, Lucca Benetton has established himself as one of the country's most highly-rated young shot-stoppers.

Signed from London Elite and Elite Academy without requiring a trial, the England Under-16 and Under-17 international quickly began playing above his age group. One of his earliest Academy highlights came as an Under-14, saving a penalty on his Floodlit Cup debut against Reading's Under-15s.

Benetton became Palace's first-choice Under-18 goalkeeper during the second half of the 25/26 campaign, making 15 appearances across all competitions, including starts in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final, semi-final and U18 Premier League Cup Final.

His breakthrough season ended in unforgettable fashion as he produced the decisive save in the Premier League Cup Final shootout victory over Manchester United to secure the Academy's first-ever triumph in the competition.

01 / 03

Hugo Bull

Comfortable in possession and composed under pressure, Hugo Bull is a modern centre-back whose journey to Palace began in midfield.

The defender earned a trial after impressing against Palace while representing Pro Soccer Academy, joining the club at U15 level before seamlessly adapting to a deeper role.

Bull made his U18 debut during the second half of last season and quickly established himself as a trusted option for head coach Javier Alonso, making 11 appearances and eight starts.

He featured throughout Palace's memorable FA Youth Cup run before helping the Young Eagles lift the Academy's first-ever Premier League Cup.

01 / 03

Kairo Smith-Phillips

Crystal Palace-born winger Kairo Smith-Phillips has pace, creativity and an eye for goal in equal measure.

Having started at Lambeth Tigers - the same grassroots club that nurtured Joel Drakes-Thomas and Makai Bernard-Ferguson - Smith-Phillips joined Palace's pre-Academy at U6 level and has been in red and blue ever since.

His outstanding U16 campaign yielded 13 goals and 15 assists, earning an U18 debut against Leicester City before he was called upon on two more occasions, including Palace's first Youth Cup semi-final for almost 30 years at Manchester United.

01 / 03

Anthony Barrett

South London-born Anthony Barrett is a competitive, front-footed centre-back who prides himself on his consistency.

After beginning at Dynamo before moving to Junior Elite, Barrett joined Palace at U13 level. One of his earliest Academy highlights came during an overseas tour to Portugal, where he continued to establish himself within his age group.

A regular throughout the 25/26 season, Barrett has continued to develop into a composed defender capable of thriving both in and out of possession.

01 / 03

Malik Tejan

Powerful right-back Malik Tejan combines explosive pace with an attacking mindset, while relishing one-on-one defensive duels.

Growing up in Camden, Tejan caught Palace's eye while playing for Most Wanted Elite. Invited for a six-week trial, he impressed so quickly that the club moved to sign him after just a fortnight.

Although injuries disrupted parts of his U16 campaign, he still contributed two goals and three assists, showcasing the attacking threat he offers from full-back.

01 / 03

Sebastian Bonsu-Amako

A composed and intelligent midfielder, Sebastian Bonsu-Amako is a player who brings calmness, control and defensive awareness to the centre of the pitch.

The midfielder earned opportunities with the U18s while still an U16, becoming one of the first players from his age group to step up during Palace’s memorable 25/26 campaign.

Bonsu-Amako featured 13 times throughout the season, often providing balance in midfield and confidently stepping in when called upon.

His maturity was particularly evident during the closing stages of the campaign, completing the full 90 minutes against Norwich City, Ipswich Town and West Bromwich Albion before his season ended due to GCSE commitments.

01 / 03

Dylan Monk

A composed, ball-playing centre-back, Dylan Monk combines intelligent positioning with confidence in possession.

Beginning his football journey with Maidstone United, Monk joined Palace’s pre-Academy programme at U7 level before officially signing as an U9. Since then, he has developed through the Academy pathway, gaining valuable experiences including international tours to Germany and Morocco.

Stepping up as an U16, Monk made 13 appearances for the U18s during the 25/26 season, making his debut against Leicester in November before becoming a regular option around the turn of the year.

After overcoming an injury setback, he returned to feature in Palace’s historic FA Youth Cup semi-final appearance at Old Trafford and was named among the substitutes for the Premier League Cup Final victory.

01 / 03

Jay-Emmanuel Jordan

Stockwell-born midfielder Jay-Emmanuel Jordan is a creative presence in the middle of the pitch, who boasts intelligent movement with the ability to progress play through his passing.

Jordan began playing at Brixton Rec before moving into grassroots football in Kennington, where his performances earned him training opportunities with Millwall, Chelsea and Arsenal.

After appearing in showcase fixtures for Tottenham and West Ham as a youngster, he was spotted by Palace during a school tournament and joined the Academy at U11 level.

A standout moment came at U15 level when Jordan scored against Tottenham, while his creativity continued to shine last season as he created the most key chances within the team. His ability to find space and play forward remains one of his biggest strengths.

01 / 03

Toby Williams

A powerful striker with an eye for goal, Toby Williams combines physicality, determination and a natural attacking instinct.

Growing up in Buckinghamshire, Williams began his career with Wycombe Wanderers at U9 level, spending three years with the club before earning an opportunity to showcase his talents in front of Palace staff.

Following a successful trial, he joined the Academy and continued his development with the Young Eagles, overcoming a significant injury setback that ruled him out for 18 months during his U14 and U15 seasons.

His response was impressive, finishing the 25/26 campaign as one of the leading scorers for the U16s with 18 goals and seven assists.

01 / 03

Kwasi Baah

A technically gifted left-back with excellent ball control, Kwasi Baah has developed a reputation for his creativity and ability to retain possession under pressure.

Hailing from South Norwood, Baah began playing for Sports Attack in Shirley and Unique FA before being scouted by Palace and joining the Academy at U11 level.

A lifelong Palace supporter, one of his favourite memories came during his U13 season when he helped the club reach the final of the National Cup.

Now entering full-time football, Baah continues to develop his ability to dictate play, using his close control and technical quality to influence games from midfield.

01 / 03

Jamar Lee

Peckham-born Jamar Lee is another product of Lambeth Tigers’ successful pathway, following in the footsteps of fellow Academy graduates Drakes-Thomas and Bernard-Ferguson.

A dynamic attacking player capable of making an impact in the final third, Lee joined Palace’s pre-Academy setup before progressing rapidly through the youth ranks.

One of his favourite moments came in the U14s when he scored a last-minute solo goal against Southampton in a semi-final, while another milestone arrived when he travelled with the U21s on a tour of Scotland at just 14 years old.

Lee enjoyed a standout 25/26 campaign, registering more than 10 goals and 10 assists for the U16s while stepping up to the U18s seven times, including a memorable brace in a 6-3 victory over Ipswich Town. His passing, dribbling and finishing are among his key attributes.

01 / 03

Kayden Moses

A dynamic attacking midfielder with electric ball-carrying ability, Kayden Moses combines creativity, intelligence and one-v-one quality in the attacking third.

Growing up in Hackney, Moses joined Palace at U9 level and initially played further forward, enjoying a prolific U12 campaign that remains one of his favourite memories.

The wide forward continued to make an impact during the 25/26 season, recording double figures for assists with the U16s while earning six opportunities with the U18s.

He featured in two significant moments for the older age group, appearing from the bench during Palace’s historic FA Youth Cup semi-final at Manchester United before helping the side lift the Premier League Cup at Selhurst Park.

01 / 03

Alfie Mulvenna

Northern Irish defender Alfie Mulvenna arrives at Palace from Larne after making history as the club’s youngest-ever first-team debutant.

The centre-back began playing for Larne at the age of three, spending 12 years developing within the club’s Academy system. By the age of 13, he was training with the first team while competing well above his age group, helping Larne’s U16 and U18 sides secure league titles.

Mulvenna continued his rapid rise by featuring for the U18s and U20s at just 15 years old before stepping into senior football.

During the 25/26 season, he made five first-team appearances for Larne, including his competitive debut in the County Antrim Shield, while also representing and shining for Northern Ireland at youth level.

01 / 03

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Meet Palace's new Academy scholars

Announcement

30 Jul 2026

Crystal Palace's newest intake of Academy scholars have officially embarked on the next stage of their footballing journeys after signing two-year scholarship agreements ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Get to know the class of 2026/27 below...

Lucca Benetton

An agile and commanding ‘keeper, Lucca Benetton has established himself as one of the country's most highly-rated young shot-stoppers.

01 / 03

Hugo Bull

Comfortable in possession and composed under pressure, Hugo Bull is a modern centre-back whose journey to Palace began in midfield.

The defender earned a trial after impressing against Palace while representing Pro Soccer Academy, joining the club at U15 level before seamlessly adapting to a deeper role.

Bull made his U18 debut during the second half of last season and quickly established himself as a trusted option for head coach Javier Alonso, making 11 appearances and eight starts.

He featured throughout Palace's memorable FA Youth Cup run before helping the Young Eagles lift the Academy's first-ever Premier League Cup.

01 / 03

Kairo Smith-Phillips

Crystal Palace-born winger Kairo Smith-Phillips has pace, creativity and an eye for goal in equal measure.

01 / 03

Anthony Barrett

South London-born Anthony Barrett is a competitive, front-footed centre-back who prides himself on his consistency.

A regular throughout the 25/26 season, Barrett has continued to develop into a composed defender capable of thriving both in and out of possession.

01 / 03

Malik Tejan

Powerful right-back Malik Tejan combines explosive pace with an attacking mindset, while relishing one-on-one defensive duels.

Growing up in Camden, Tejan caught Palace's eye while playing for Most Wanted Elite. Invited for a six-week trial, he impressed so quickly that the club moved to sign him after just a fortnight.

Although injuries disrupted parts of his U16 campaign, he still contributed two goals and three assists, showcasing the attacking threat he offers from full-back.

01 / 03

Sebastian Bonsu-Amako

A composed and intelligent midfielder, Sebastian Bonsu-Amako is a player who brings calmness, control and defensive awareness to the centre of the pitch.

The midfielder earned opportunities with the U18s while still an U16, becoming one of the first players from his age group to step up during Palace’s memorable 25/26 campaign.

Bonsu-Amako featured 13 times throughout the season, often providing balance in midfield and confidently stepping in when called upon.

01 / 03

Dylan Monk

A composed, ball-playing centre-back, Dylan Monk combines intelligent positioning with confidence in possession.

Stepping up as an U16, Monk made 13 appearances for the U18s during the 25/26 season, making his debut against Leicester in November before becoming a regular option around the turn of the year.

01 / 03

Jay-Emmanuel Jordan

Stockwell-born midfielder Jay-Emmanuel Jordan is a creative presence in the middle of the pitch, who boasts intelligent movement with the ability to progress play through his passing.

Jordan began playing at Brixton Rec before moving into grassroots football in Kennington, where his performances earned him training opportunities with Millwall, Chelsea and Arsenal.

After appearing in showcase fixtures for Tottenham and West Ham as a youngster, he was spotted by Palace during a school tournament and joined the Academy at U11 level.

01 / 03

Toby Williams

A powerful striker with an eye for goal, Toby Williams combines physicality, determination and a natural attacking instinct.

His response was impressive, finishing the 25/26 campaign as one of the leading scorers for the U16s with 18 goals and seven assists.

01 / 03

Kwasi Baah

A technically gifted left-back with excellent ball control, Kwasi Baah has developed a reputation for his creativity and ability to retain possession under pressure.

Hailing from South Norwood, Baah began playing for Sports Attack in Shirley and Unique FA before being scouted by Palace and joining the Academy at U11 level.

A lifelong Palace supporter, one of his favourite memories came during his U13 season when he helped the club reach the final of the National Cup.

Now entering full-time football, Baah continues to develop his ability to dictate play, using his close control and technical quality to influence games from midfield.

01 / 03

Jamar Lee

Peckham-born Jamar Lee is another product of Lambeth Tigers’ successful pathway, following in the footsteps of fellow Academy graduates Drakes-Thomas and Bernard-Ferguson.

A dynamic attacking player capable of making an impact in the final third, Lee joined Palace’s pre-Academy setup before progressing rapidly through the youth ranks.

01 / 03

Kayden Moses

A dynamic attacking midfielder with electric ball-carrying ability, Kayden Moses combines creativity, intelligence and one-v-one quality in the attacking third.

Growing up in Hackney, Moses joined Palace at U9 level and initially played further forward, enjoying a prolific U12 campaign that remains one of his favourite memories.

The wide forward continued to make an impact during the 25/26 season, recording double figures for assists with the U16s while earning six opportunities with the U18s.

01 / 03

Alfie Mulvenna

Northern Irish defender Alfie Mulvenna arrives at Palace from Larne after making history as the club’s youngest-ever first-team debutant.

Mulvenna continued his rapid rise by featuring for the U18s and U20s at just 15 years old before stepping into senior football.

01 / 03

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