Chelsea have announced that the club’s Under-21 and Under-19 teams will be rebranded as Cobham Next Gen, CNG, starting from the upcoming season, under the leadership of head coach Harry Hudson.
The Blues on Tuesday issued an official statement explaining the rationale behind the decision.
The statement 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.
“Although the squad participated in Premier League 2 as an Under-21 team, its average age last season was more akin to that of an Under-18 group, with several players as young as 16 years old regularly taking part.
“Cobham Next Gen also aligns better with the squad’s role within the Academy. It acknowledges a group of young players who are gaining momentum, taking the final step in their development pathway to senior football, and competing at a higher level as they progress through Cobham towards the men’s team.
“Chelsea’s Academy boasts a proud history of nurturing players for the men’s team. Current senior squad members, including club captain Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Josh Acheampong, are among the Academy graduates.
“Numerous others have gone on to achieve successful careers in English football and across Europe’s top leagues, showcasing the quality of the Chelsea development program and our dedication to transitioning players developed in Cobham into first-team football.
“Offering young players the chance to compete above their natural age group remains a fundamental aspect of the club’s player development strategy. This was evident last season when one of the youngest squads in Premier League 2 finished at the top of the table.
“The launch of Cobham Next Gen also enhances the Academy’s identity. More than just an age-group designation, it symbolizes the players advancing through Cobham and the opportunities available to them as they continue their development towards the men’s game.”