Former Kinetic Academy Manager Calum McFarlane takes charge of Chelsea vs. Man City

On Sunday 4th January, our former Kinetic Academy Manager Calum McFarlane took charge of his first Premier League game as Chelsea’s interim manager. Assisted by our co-founder Harry Hudson and former Kinetic Academy Coach Dan Hogan, he went up against Pep Guardiola and Manchester City in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium and came away with a point!

Calum’s 6 year stay with Kinetic came to an end in October 2020 when he joined Manchester City, where he spent 3 seasons coaching various age groups before joining Southampton in the summer of 2023 as U18s Head Coach and then being promoted to U21s Head Coach in February 2025. Cal joined Chelsea Academy as their U21s Head Coach in July 2025.

Arriving in 2014 to a group of 40 full-time young people at one school site, he left Kinetic with the academy looking after the development of 200 16-19 year olds across 7 sites and 44 signings to professional clubs.

This moment reflects so much more than a result. It represents years of dedication, learning and resilience. Calum has shown outstanding composure on one of the biggest stages in world football, demonstrating the same values he’s carried throughout his journey - humility, leadership and a relentless work ethic.

We're all very proud of Cal, H and Dan!