According to the Evening Standard, the prominent Chelsea supporters' group Not a Project CFC issued a statement strongly criticizing the club's decision to rebrand its academy youth teams to "Cobham Next Gen," calling it outrageous, frustrating, and unacceptable.

Chelsea announced on Tuesday that from the 2026/27 season, the U21 and U19 teams will compete under the name "Cobham Next Gen," abbreviated as CNG.

Chelsea stated that the move aims to reflect that the average age of these squads is often younger than that of their opponents, noting that many 16-year-olds played in the U18 team last season. The new name derives from the club's training ground in Cobham.

The U21 team, managed by Harry Hudson following Callum McFarlane's promotion to the first team in January, finished first in Premier League 2 Division 1 last season despite being one of the league's youngest squads, but lost to Tottenham in the promotion playoff quarter-finals.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the Chelsea Supporters' Trust was not consulted before the rebrand was officially confirmed.

The decision has already sparked widespread criticism from supporters, and Not a Project CFC has now officially issued a statement making their opposition public.

Not a Project CFC organized protests against Chelsea's owners ahead of several matches last season, including the FA Cup final. They also jointly organized demonstrations with disgruntled supporters of Chelsea's sister club, Strasbourg.

In a statement posted on social media, the group accused the BlueCo ownership group of eroding the club's traditions and called on other supporters' organizations to publicly oppose the decision.

Chelsea has been contacted for comment.

Part of the statement read: We are angry and frustrated, but sadly unsurprised, by the club's decision to rebrand our U21 and U19 teams as Cobham Next Gen.

This is yet another example of parasitic owners stripping this great and historic club of its identity, piece by piece.

Cobham Academy is recognized as one of the world's best, and players often develop an affiliation with the club's name as they grow in their football development. From the moment they enter the academy system, players should be proud to represent that name, not some soulless brand invented by those who show disrespect for the club's traditions.

Traducido por IA.

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