Chelsea Under-21s and Under-19s will be called a different name from the start of the 2026/27 season
Chelsea Under-21s and Under-19s will be called a different name from the start of the new season(Image: Chelsea FC)
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Chelsea have confirmed the club's Under-21s and Under-19s will be rebranded as Cobham Next Gen (CNG) from the start of the new season under head coach Harry Hudson.
The Blues released an official statement confirming the reasons behind their decision on Tuesday. It read: "The new name more accurately reflects the age profile of our leading Academy side and Chelsea's long-standing heritage of developing the next generation of players for the senior game.
"While the squad competed in Premier League 2 as an Under-21s side, its average age last season was closer to that of an Under-18s group, with several players as young as 16 years old featuring regularly.
"Cobham Next Gen also better fits the role of the squad within the Academy. It recognises a group of young players with momentum, taking the next step in their development - the final one in the pathway to senior football - competing at a higher level as they continue their journey through Cobham towards the men's team.
"Chelsea's Academy has a proud history of producing players for the men's team. Club captain Reece James, Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong are among the Academy graduates in our current senior squad.
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"Many more have gone on to enjoy successful careers throughout English football and across Europe's leading leagues, reflecting the quality of the Chelsea development programme and our commitment to transitioning players made in Cobham into first team football.
"Providing young players with opportunities to compete above their natural age group remains a key part of the club's approach to player development. That was reflected last season as one of the youngest squads in the Premier League 2 finished at the top of the table.
"The introduction of Cobham Next Gen also strengthens the Academy's identity. More than an age-group name, it represents the players progressing through Cobham and the opportunities available to them as they continue their development towards the men's game.
"This new identity reflects the distinction of Chelsea's Academy as a unique footballing environment with its own history, culture and proven record of developing players for the highest level of the game."
Harry Hudson
Chelsea academy coach Harry Hudson(Image: Chelsea FC)
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Why have Chelsea done this?
Chelsea sources have told football.london this decision has been taken to reflect the role the U21s and U19s groups play in bridging the gap between the academy system and the senior team. The rebrand is intended to better reflect the pathway from the academy into senior football, as well as to highlight and spotlight the next generation of talent on the Cobham conveyor belt.
The club's hope is that the name change will help emphasise the final development stage before senior football, and also to celebrate those making the step up into first-team action. Also, the rebrand alings with the 'Made in Cobham' message - to celebrate those who have come through Chelsea's academy - that we often see throughout the club's channels nowadays.
Levi Colwill and Reece James
Levi Colwill and Reece James are both products of Chelsea's academy system(Image: Clive Rose)
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The decision-makers at Chelsea also believe this change will help represent the purpose of the group and the club's intention to develop homegrown footballers.
Sources have also downplayed any change in academy operations. The long-term aim of the club's academy remains to encompass all age groups on the lengthy road to become an elite player. The only change is the age groups will now be known as CNG.
As for groups like the U18s, they will continue with their original name.
Chelsea sources deny the change is purely a branding exercise but one that reflects their thinking and philosophy when it comes to developing young talent. The change will not have an impact on the Blues' academy sides competing in competitions.
Interestingly, Chelsea's academy social media channels will keep their current name, but anything specifically relating to the U21s and U19s will be presented under the CNG identity.