There are seasons that define a group of players, and then there are seasons that define an academy. For Chester FC Academy, the 2025/26 campaign will be remembered as one of determination, development, resilience and ultimately, success after the club’s Under-19 side secured the National League U19 Alliance North Division title.
Winning the League Title in Style
The young Seals sealed the championship in style with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Solihull Moors, capping off a remarkable league campaign that showcased the talent, mentality and togetherness within the academy setup.
After months of hard work on and off the pitch, Chester finished top of the table following a thrilling title race with Gateshead, edging their rivals by two points. An outstanding eight game unbeaten run during the business end of the season proved decisive, with the squad showing consistency and composure when it mattered most.
A Season Built on Character
Winning any league title requires quality, but winning one in such competitive circumstances demands character.
From the first whistle of the season, Chester’s U19 side demonstrated an impressive blend of attacking football, tactical discipline and relentless work ethic. Across the campaign, the team lost just three matches in 22 league games, a statistic that highlights both their consistency and their ability to respond positively to pressure.
The title race itself became one of the most compelling stories in the National League Football Academy North Division. Every fixture carried significance, every point mattered and every performance tested the mentality of a young squad balancing football with education and personal development.
Yet throughout the pressure-filled run-in, Chester continued to deliver.
The squad’s ability to remain focused during crucial matches spoke volumes about the environment created within the academy. Coaches, staff and players all contributed to a culture built around accountability, improvement and ambition.
More Than Just Results
While lifting the North Division title is a fantastic achievement in itself, the success of Chester FC Academy goes far beyond silverware.
Academy football is ultimately about progression, helping young players develop technically, physically and mentally while preparing them for opportunities in the senior game.
This season demonstrated exactly why the Chester pathway continues to grow in reputation.
Working alongside Education Partner Access Sport, the academy continues to provide student-athletes with an environment that combines high-level football development with education and personal growth. The partnership has played an important role in supporting players both on and off the pitch, helping to create a pathway that prepares young footballers for future opportunities within the game and beyond.
The academy has provided players with the opportunity to compete at a high level while representing a club with a proud identity and passionate support base. Throughout the season, the players carried themselves with professionalism and maturity, reflecting the standards expected across the football club.
Success stories at academy level are rarely built overnight. They are the result of long-term planning, dedicated coaching and an environment where players are encouraged to improve every single day.
The achievement also underlines the strength of youth development at Chester FC and reinforces the importance of investing in young talent..
A Season to Remember
Adding further significance to the campaign, the North Division title marked the second piece of silverware for Chester’s U19 side this season following their success in the Cambrils Scholarship Cup in Spain earlier in the year alongside going man to man against EFL League 1 academy Bolton Wanderers in the FA Youth Cup
Competing and winning in different environments has helped shape a squad full of confidence and belief. Experiences like these are invaluable for young footballers as they continue their development both on and off the pitch.
Although the season has already delivered unforgettable moments, there is still more to play for.
By winning the North Division, Chester have now qualified for the National League U19 Alliance “Champions of Champions” competition, where they will face fellow divisional winners from across the country.
It presents another exciting opportunity for the players to test themselves against elite academy opposition and continue what has already been a hugely successful campaign.
Proud Head Coach
Reflecting on the achievement, Head Coach and UEFA A Qualified Coach Mike Alcock praised the character and togetherness of the group throughout the campaign.
“What an achievement. I’m incredibly proud of this group of players and staff for winning the National League Academy Division title.
To win the most prestigious competition at our level of football with a group of lads who genuinely care for each other, work hard every day, and love being around one another makes it even more special. It’s something they’ll never forget.
On a personal level, this year has had its challenges, both professionally and personally. But one thing that never changed was this group. Every single day they turned up with energy, smiles on their faces, ready to learn, work, and compete.
That consistency is what this title represents to me most.
These young men have been a credit to themselves, their families, and everyone involved in the programme. The trust their families place in us to help guide them through such important years of their lives is never taken for granted.
They earned this. No excuses, no drama. They turned up, stuck together, and got the job done.”
Mike’s words perfectly capture the spirit that has driven the academy throughout the season, a close-knit group committed to improving every day and representing Chester FC with pride. And we at Access Sport couldn’t be prouder.
