Chelsea have announced a new identity for their top Academy teams, with the Under-21 and Under-19 squads set to be known as Cobham Next Gen (CNG) from the upcoming season.
The club said the change better reflects the age profile and development role of the players, many of whom are younger than the traditional Under-21 classification.
Chelsea explained that last season’s development squad had an average age closer to an Under-18 team, with players as young as 16 regularly featuring.
The new name also highlights the Academy’s role in preparing young players for senior football as they progress through the club’s Cobham training center.
The squad will continue to compete in competitions such as Premier League 2 and the UEFA Youth League, while Harry Hudson remains in charge of the development group. Chelsea confirmed Hudson as Under-21 head coach in January 2026, with the same coaching setup also overseeing the Under-19s.
The Blues said the rebrand reflects their long-standing commitment to developing players for the first team. Academy graduates including Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Josh Acheampong have gone on to feature for the senior side.
Chelsea also highlighted last season’s success, when one of the youngest squads in Premier League 2 finished top of the table.
The club said Cobham Next Gen is intended to represent the final stage of the Academy pathway, as young players build experience and move closer to senior football.
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