Van der Kraan promoted to Chelsea Academy Director – and what it means

Chelsea have promoted Glenn van der Kraan to Academy Director, putting him in sole charge of the club’s youth development set-up for the first time.

When the Dutchman joined Chelsea in October 2024, he was brought in as Academy Technical Director – a role focused on coaching philosophy and playing style, reflecting his background as Head of Coaching for Manchester City’s Under-9s to 14s and a long prior spell at Feyenoord’s Academy.