Chelsea have introduced a new identity for their leading academy teams ahead of the 2026/27 season, replacing the Under-21 and Under-19 labels with the name Cobham Next Gen.

The change is designed to highlight the pathway young players follow as they move closer to senior football.

The newly named group will operate under head coach Harry Hudson and compete in Premier League 2. Chelsea said the new title better reflects the squad’s actual age profile, with several players younger than the traditional Under-21 classification.

The club explained that the squad’s average age last season was closer to an Under-18 group, despite competing at the Premier League 2 level. Players as young as 16 also featured regularly.

Chelsea said the rebranding reflects its continued emphasis on developing academy prospects for the first team.

Current senior players including Reece James, Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong are products of the club’s youth system.

The Blues also regard exposure to higher-level competition as an important part of player development. Last season, one of the youngest squads in Premier League 2 finished at the top of the table.

The Cobham Next Gen name is therefore intended to represent more than a simple change in terminology. It identifies a group of players gaining experience and preparing for the demands of professional football.

As the new season approaches, Chelsea will hope the revamped identity continues to support the club’s long-standing tradition of producing talented youngsters capable of progressing into the senior team.