[null, {"document_url": "https://www.premierleague.com/news/58897", "unformatted_src": "https://premierleague-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/premierleague/photo/2018/07/30/e553c493-3011-4ba8-8594-1ea1f7e52bc4/U18.png", "src": "https://premierleague-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/premierleague/photo/2018/07/30/e553c493-3011-4ba8-8594-1ea1f7e52bc4/U18.png", "alt_text": "Chelsea win Under-18 Premier League Trophy"}, null]
Chelsea are the defending champions ahead of 2017/18 campaign, which will finish with a national final


Youth Premier League Cup: Format explained
Youth Premier League 2: Competition format explained
Youth U18 Professional Development League: Format explained

The Under-18 Premier League replaced the Premier Academy League at the start of the 2012/13 season with the aim to enhance youth development and help transition players between the Academy and first team.

Fulham were champions in the competition’s first season, beating Reading 3-0 in the final at Craven Cottage. Everton won the 2013/14 title, defeating Manchester City in the final at Goodison Park.

Middlesbrough were crowned 2014/15 champions after winning five of their seven final phase matches in Group 1, and Man City only dropped two points in the final stage as they won the competition in 2015/16.

The 2016/17 competition was won by Chelsea, and the Blues defended their title in 2017/18, in a newly-formatted League.

The 12-team North and South Groups remain, but the two regional division champions will play in a national final for the U18 Premier League title. The one-off tie will be held at a main stadium.

The 2017/18 U18 Premier League will take place under the following criteria:

Age requirement:

Past Under-18 Premier League winners

2017/18: Chelsea
2016/17: Chelsea
2015/16: Manchester City
2014/15: Middlesbrough
2013/14: Everton
2012/13: Fulham
