From the start of the 2026/27 season, Chelsea's Under-21s and Under-19s squads will be known as Cobham Next Gen (CNG) under head coach Harry Hudson.
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.
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.
You can watch Cobham Next Gen fixtures – and those of our Under-18s – throughout the season on the Official Chelsea App and website via a CFC+ subscription.