Chelsea rename youth teams ahead of new season as statement explains unusual move

Chelsea have made the intriguing decision to rebrand their youth teams.

The Blues confirmed that from the start of the 2026/27 season, their Under-21 and Under-19 sides will be known as Cobham Next Gen (CNG) – a nod to the club’s Surrey training ground, where their youth set-up is also located.

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A Chelsea statement explaining the change of name 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.

“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.”

Chelsea have trained in Cobham since 2005, though the facility wasn’t officially opened until 2007.

The Blues were previously based in Harlington, West London but sought to upgrade their training infrastructure following Roman Abramovich’s purchase of the club in 2003.

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Two products of the Chelsea academy made their first-team debuts last season: wingers Jesse Derry and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen.

New Blues manager Xabi Alonso used an array of young talent during pre-season, including midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and centre-back Olutayo Subuloye – the former playing the whole second half of the friendly against Tottenham in Sydney.

But it could be tough for such players to break into the Chelsea first team during the upcoming campaign.

The Blues have made a plethora of new signings, among them Morgan Rogers for a British-record fee.

Alonso’s men are building up to the start of the new Premier League season, which they begin with the short trip to local rivals Fulham next Monday, live on talkSPORT.

The big kick-off approaches

Chelsea, who will be aiming to improve considerably on last term’s 10th-placed finish, then host Luton Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup before entertaining Brighton in their first home league game.

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Alonso got his first taste of life at Stamford Bridge as the Blues concluded their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday.

“It was emotional to feel my first time in the new home,” Alonso said. “A great reception from the supporters to the team and to the new staff, myself as well, so delighted.”

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