Off the PitchMirror FootballUnverified source· 18 Aug 2026
Chelsea rebrand academy sides as Cobham Next Gen
Chelsea's decision to rename their under-19 and under-21 teams has sparked fan backlash.


Chelsea
team
Who
Chelsea
What
Renamed under-19 and under-21 sides to Cobham Next Gen
Where
Cobham, Surrey
What happened. Chelsea have renamed their under-19 and under-21 sides as Cobham Next Gen (CNG), a move that has angered fans.
- The club says the name better reflects the age profile of the academy sides.
- The rebrand is part of the BlueCo ownership's efforts to establish a separate academy brand.
“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.”
— Chelsea club statement
The rebrand may further strain relations between the club and its supporters.
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