CHELSEA’S development teams will continue to play matches at Aldershot’s EBB Stadium into the 2017-18 season, it has been announced.

It takes the agreement into a fifth season, during which time Chelsea have played a range of domestic and international youth tournaments in Aldershot, including home matches in the FA Youth Cup, a competition they have won three seasons running.

Neil Bath, Chelsea’s head of youth development, said: “Aldershot Town continue to provide an excellent setting for our Academy teams to play competitive football in front of proper crowds, equally allowing supporters an opportunity to see exciting and talented young players representing the club.

“We’re very grateful to Aldershot for hosting us and we look forward to another successful season using the EBB Stadium.”

Aldershot chairman Shahid Azeem added: “It’s a great privilege to be able to host Chelsea into a fifth year. This is becoming something of a second home for their Academy, and we are honoured to welcome both big-name players and the international stars of tomorrow.”

In the summer of 2014, the Stamford Bridge turf was removed and transported to Aldershot, allowing the installation of a durable, top-level surface at the ground.

Chelsea return to Aldershot tomorrow (Friday) to host Manchester United in the Premier League 2, four days before meeting Cardiff City in the FA Youth Cup.