Yemi - Advanced Centre
10-year-old Yemi came into the Valley Gold Advanced Centre (VGAC) after relocating to the area.
During his time with the VGAC, Yemi focused on helping maintain his current skillset whilst developing his overall performance in the game. Yemi’s talent was clear from the start and he had the technical ability to be put forward for an academy trial.
Due to his recent move to the area, Yemi and his family wanted to focus on him settling into the environment at his new school. CACT’s coaches kept Yemi engaged with the sessions by moving him up to the next age group to make it more challenging for him.
After a year with the VGAC, Yemi was put forward for a trial with Charlton Athletic’s Academy and successfully passed, making him the latest addition to the CAFC Academy’s U11s.
Yemi said:
“After a year of being out of organised football, regular training at CACT’s Advanced Centre helped me get noticed by the academy, and I am now signed as a Charlton U11 football player.
“The training at the Advanced Centre helped me to improve my skills, stamina and play organised sports again. The games gave me the opportunity to show my skills and see where I needed to improve on.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the Advanced Centre staff for nurturing me, and to encourage those that are currently in the advanced group that you can achieve what I did as well if you continue to apply yourself and stay positive about your potential.”
Bradley Marshall, CACT’s Senior Football & Sports Development Officer, said:
“Yemi impressed from the outset and his ability was clear for us to see but we had to keep Yemi engaged with us for a year whilst he settled into the area. We moved him up to train with the next age group up to make it more challenging for him.
“It was great to see him adjust to the CAFC academy so quickly and the Valley Gold Advanced Centre helps this process.”
The Valley Gold Advanced Centre players are invited to join the programme through CACT’s community football programmes, including holiday football courses, Charlton Challenge, Toddler Soccer and Primary School Delivery.
CACT is running holiday football courses during the Easter holidays, sign your child up here.