As 2024 draws to a close, Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) can look back on their extraordinary achievements over the past 12 months, reaching new milestones in community engagement and social impact across South East London and Kent.
- Record charitable spend
For the year ending March 2024, CACT achieved the largest turnover in the organisation’s 32-year history, which has allowed for a record committed spend of £6.74m on charitable work within the community. - EFL Community Club of the Year
In March, Charlton Athletic were named as EFL Community Club of the Season at the 2023-24 EFL Awards, an acknowledgement of the outstanding, life-changing work which CACT does with more than 25,000 participants.
- The Upbeats’ record-breaking 12 months
In April, over 200 walkers participated in the Upbeats Walk, raising a record-breaking £55,000 for the Charlton Upbeats. Upbeat Will’s ‘Golf Life’ video on YouTube attracted nearly 50,000 views and contributed to the record sum raised! The Upbeats also won the inaugural Down’s Syndrome Football Festival in October. Clubs from across the country competed to be crowned as the Football Festival champions, and a competitive final between the Upbeats and Everton ended 4-2 to the Addicks. The festival was hosted by CACT and Bluewater, with the support of CACT’s principal partner ITRM.
- Five-year strategic plan
In May, CACT unveiled its five-year strategic plan, using feedback from partners, patrons, stakeholders and friends of the Trust to shape its direction in 2025 and beyond. CACT remains committed to working in partnership with communities to deliver positive outcomes across South East London and Kent. - CACT Awards at the House of Lords
CACT hosted its annual awards ceremony at the House of Lords in October. The event celebrated the achievements of CACT’s participants, staff and partners. Men’s first-team manager Nathan Jones praised CACT’s life-changing impact on the night, highlighting the story of Michael, a participant who overcame addiction and mental health challenges with the help of CACT’s Men’s Health Services.
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- Celebrating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) on Red, White and Black Day
In October, Addicks fans and more than 500 students participated in Charlton’s annual Red, White and Black Day parade. The parade, which was held in partnership with the University of Greenwich, aimed to celebrate EDI and promote the club’s All Different, All Together, All Charlton message. - Spotlighting CACT’s work with national media coverage
In November, Charlton hosted the EFL’s ‘Beyond the 90: Impact in Action’ event at The Valley. The event showcased community projects across the EFL. Nathan Jones, and first-team players Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Carla Humphrey, engaged with attendees from Sky Sports and talkSPORT to spotlight CACT’s Extra Time Hub and Live Well Greenwich Bus to a wider audience. CACT’s unique partnership with Ministry of Sound also received national media coverage in November, after ITV’s weekly EFL Highlights show captured a club afternoon at the famous venue, which was put on for participants with disabilities from CACT’s programmes.
Please consider making a regular or one-off donation to help CACT continue its life-changing work during 2025. You can set up your donation today by visiting cact.gives/donate.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at CACT!