Chelsea appoint Glenn Van der Kraan as new academy director

Chelsea appoint Glenn Van der Kraan as new academy director Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Glenn van der Kraan as the club’s new Academy Director, rewarding the impact he has made since arriving in 2024.  The Dutchman has been crucial in helping Chelsea strengthen their youth system and guide one of the most productive periods in the academy’s recent history. Having initially joined as Academy Technical Director, Van der Kraan has helped create a clear football identity throughout the academy by aligning coaching methods, playing style, and player development across every age group.  His work has contributed to outstanding success on and off the pitch, especially last season when both the Under-21 and U18 teams made history by winning their respective league phases for the first time. The pathway into senior football has also flourished under Van de Kraan’s watch, with ten academy graduates making their first-team debuts, while several academy coaches helped the senior squad. Speaking after his appointment, Van der Kraan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and praised the people who have helped shape the academy’s progress over the past two years.  “I am incredibly proud and honoured to take on the role of Academy Director at Chelsea after two thoroughly enjoyable years working with an amazing leadership team,” he said. “I want to thank the Sporting Directors and ownership for the faith they have shown in me and also to every single person in the academy who has played their part in making this development programme successful.  “This club has a proud history of developing talented players, and I am excited to help lead the next chapter.” Chelsea are preparing for a new era under manager Xabi Alonso , and academy talents will hope to get a shot at senior football under the Spaniard. Fortunately, he has proven in his previous jobs that he isn’t afraid to give young talent a chance to earn a spot in the first team.