Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce that Keenan Gough and Kai Enslin are the latest academy scholars to have penned professional terms with the club.
The duo – who are both halfway through their two-year scholarships – were important members of the Addicks’ U18s squad that were crowned Professional Development League 2 South champions in May.
They also featured for the club’s U21s squad during 2022/23, helping them to win the London Senior Cup in May.
Gough, who is comfortable in the centre of midfield or defence, is excited to have signed his professional contract. He said: “It [signing my contract] motivates me more because this excitement fills me and it makes me want to push for more.
“I’ve been here at Charlton half my life, a long time, and I’ve been treated with respect the whole time. There are lots of coaches along the way that I would like to thank and even now a lot of people to thank around me. I’m looking forward to what the future will bring.”
Enslin, meanwhile, joined the Addicks at U13s level and he is a left-footed wide player that likes to operate from the right side of the pitch.
He said: “It feels like a dream come true to sign my contract and like all my hard work over the past four years has paid off. Hopefully now I can go on that steady slope and try to push towards the U21s and then to the first team.
“I first came here on trial with the U13s and I remember playing Crystal Palace on the top astro-turf pitch at the training ground. It was my second game and I cut inside and scored from quite far out - then I got signed. I’m excited for this next chapter.”
Gough and Enslin join Henry Rylah, Nathan Asiimwe, Toby Bower, Ollie Hobden and Chibike Okechukwu in signing their first professional contracts this summer.
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.
