Chelsea have announced a major rebranding of their Academy structure ahead of the new season, with the club’s Under-21 and Under-19 teams set to become Cobham Next Gen (CNG).
The change, announced by the Blues on Tuesday, will see the teams operate under the new identity with Harry Hudson as head coach.
Chelsea said the new name better reflects the age profile and purpose of the group, which has increasingly featured players younger than the traditional Under-21 category.
Although the team competed in Premier League 2 as an Under-21 side last season, Chelsea explained that its average age was closer to that of an Under-18 group, with several players as young as 16 regularly featuring.
According to the club, Cobham Next Gen also better represents the role of the team within the Academy, as it brings together young players building momentum and taking the final steps in their development towards senior football.
Chelsea’s Academy has a strong reputation for producing players for the first team. Club captain Reece James, Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong are among the current senior players who progressed through the Academy at Cobham.
The club also pointed to numerous other Academy graduates who have gone on to establish successful careers in English football and across Europe’s top leagues.
Chelsea said allowing young players to compete above their natural age group remains an important part of its player-development strategy. The approach was highlighted last season when one of the youngest squads in Premier League 2 finished top of the table.
The club said the launch of Cobham Next Gen goes beyond simply changing an age-group designation, adding that the new identity reflects the journey of players progressing through Cobham and the opportunities available to them as they work towards senior football.
The rebranding is expected to give Chelsea’s leading young players a clearer identity as they continue their development and push for opportunities with the senior team.
