Ahead of welcoming West Brom to the Academy in the U18s Premier League South on Saturday (16th January, 11:00 GMT), forward Makai Bernard-Ferguson reflected on life as a first-year scholar, his favourite goal of the season so far, and the challenge posed by the Baggies.
The match will be streamed live on Palace TV+ on Saturday morning (17th January, 11:00 GMT) – click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!
Can’t watch live? Follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction available shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights will also be available on Palace TV+.
It's good to know the staff trust me
—Makai Bernard-Ferguson
Having signed his scholarship over the summer, Bernard-Ferguson is enjoying his maiden campaign in the U18s fold – one that has already proven successful both individually and collectively.
“I’ve really enjoyed this season,” he said. “It’s different to last year – players are more physical – but the more games I’ve played, the more comfortable I’ve become playing week in, week out.
“As a team, it’s been a good season. We’re top of the league, through a tough Premier League Cup group with Man City and Chelsea, and still in the FA Youth Cup. I just want to start 2026 strongly with a win against West Brom.”
Despite being a first-year scholar, Bernard-Ferguson has featured in 15 of the U18s’ 16 fixtures so far in the 2025/26 campaign, becoming a regular presence in Javier Alonso’s side.
“It’s a nice feeling,” he added. “There aren’t many first-years who play most weeks, so it’s good to know the staff trust me.”
That trust has been repaid with seven goals and three assists, though the forward is targeting more as the season progresses.
“It’s a good return, but I want more,” he said. “This year I’m trying to double it as quickly as possible.”
There’s a lot of attacking talent in our team
—Makai Bernard-Ferguson
Of his goals so far, one stands out above the rest – a sweet half-volley in the 8-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
“That volley against Ipswich is my favourite,” Bernard-Ferguson smiled. “I didn’t expect to score it at all. It was just a quick snapshot that turned into a really nice goal.”
Palace’s U18s have been prolific this season, scoring 58 goals across all competitions. Bernard-Ferguson’s seven goals sit alongside contributions from Benji Casey (15), Stuart Oduro (10), David Angibeaud (six) and Donte Martin (five), highlighting the attacking depth within the squad.
“There’s a lot of attacking talent,” Bernard-Ferguson said. “I already had a good relationship with Donte from last season, and with the others it’s just built naturally through training and games.”
We’re preparing well – now it’s about showing it on Saturday
—Makai Bernard-Ferguson
Attention now turns to Saturday’s opposition. West Brom currently sit ninth in the U18s Premier League South on 15 points from 12 matches, with the table remaining tight as several sides hold games in hand.
After finishing bottom of the division last season, the Baggies have shown clear signs of progress, already surpassing last year’s win total. Two of their four victories have come against last season’s top-three finishers – Arsenal and Aston Villa – showcasing their improvement.
“They’re a good side and quite physical,” Bernard-Ferguson said. “But in this league, anyone can beat anyone. You’ve just got to prepare well and hopefully get the win.”
Preparation, he says, has been sharp throughout the week.
“Training’s been high intensity,” he added. “We’re preparing well – now it’s about showing it on Saturday.”
The match will be streamed live on Palace TV+ on Saturday morning (17th January, 11:00 GMT) – click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!
Can’t watch live? Follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction available shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights will also be available on Palace TV+.
Crystal Palace Under-18s v West Brom Under-18s
