Academy

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‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.'

This statement typifies the approach at Charlton of producing players for our men's first-team. Good developmental practice in a disciplined, hard-working, caring environment where daily attention is paid to the basics and players are challenged with their technique and tactical understanding.

Underpinned by the club’s principles, values and beliefs, the academy programme is committed to the nurture, progression and production of talented young players capable of meeting the standards and demands of senior professional football in the modern game.

The evidence is clear with over 50 academy graduates, aged between 16 and 20, having made men's first-team appearances since 2013/14 - including the likes of Nick Pope, Joe Gomez, Ademola Lookman, Ezri Konsa and Joe Aribo.

There is a clear pathway from schoolboy to scholar to professional. The academy is rightly proud of its success with outcomes that would convince any young player at Charlton, or joining the academy, that if he is the 'best he can be' every day on and off the field he will get his opportunity to fulfil the dream of making his first team debut and becoming a professional footballer.

National Academy Productivity Rankings: (based on academy graduates playing first team football for Charlton or other clubs in the Premier League, EFL or one of the top four leagues in Europe)

2009 - 2021

  • 9th out of 92 clubs
  • 1st out of 72 clubs

2018 – 2021

  • 8th out of 92 clubs
  • 3rd out of 72 clubs

These remarkable achievements over a 12-year period are testament to the commitment and hard work of so many academy staff, coupled with the loyalty and longevity that has enabled continuity of learning, reinforcement of key messages and the development of an academy football culture and holistic care with the individual at the heart of it.

Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.

Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.