Jonathan - Advanced Centre
Jonathan joined CACT’s Valley Gold Advanced Centre just over a year ago and has made significant progress in his footballing journey. CACT’s Football and Sports Development team, including Jonathan’s coach Wolfy, identified him as someone with the potential to be tested in an academy environment. More recently, he was given a trial for the club’s academy and has since been signed.
Michael Lawrence, CACT’s Football Sports Development Officer and Post-16 Manager, said: “Jonathan came into our Advanced Centre just over a year ago. He immediately demonstrated high-level technical and tactical qualities to go with his physical strengths and good decision-making when on the ball. He continued this season to progress at our Advanced Centre and went on to gain a trial and was subsequently signed for the Charlton Athletic Academy. This further showcases the pathway from our Valley Gold Advanced Centre towards the club’s academy.”
CACT coach Wolfy added: “It has been an absolute pleasure and honour coaching Jonathan. He is a very technically gifted player who was always desperate to learn and improve.”
Jonathan explained: “I feel like the sessions at Charlton Development really helped me to progress and develop as a player. The training style changed as every session targeted specific parts of football effectively. After attending these sessions for a long time, I can confidently say that my technical ability and footballing brain has noticeably improved.
“The coaches here were extremely helpful and beneficial all the time. They ensured the sessions were effective and enjoyable. They are easy to talk to and seek advice from. They make sure you have a fun and safe environment to train and develop in.
“When I heard that Wolfy had recommended me to go on trial with the academy, I was extremely happy and proud and felt like all the extra training and support from him had started to pay off. I believe that this may be the path for me to achieve my goals and I know that to move on to an even higher level I must work even harder than I do now.”
Click here to learn more about the Valley Gold Advanced Centre.