The club's U9s and U11s recently visited the Charlton Athletic Museum for an exclusive tour.
The youngsters, who follow in the footsteps of fellow academy teams in attending the Museum, were able to learn the history and culture of the club while also posing for photographs with various pieces of Charlton memorabilia.
Museum Trustee Ben Hayes said: “We try to keep the visit simple due to their ages. We told them about the 14/15-year-olds who founded the team many years ago. We showed them The Valley - they really liked the Lego model of it!
“We showed them some boots from the 1950s as well as some shin pads which they were amazed by. Also showing the FA Cup medals, reminding them that the club has won one."
The Museum also provided the children and their families with unique key rings celebrating the club's return to The Valley and a four-page booklet on the history of the club.
“We also touched on when we returned to The Valley, telling them why it's so important to us as a club and to the fans," Hayes continued. "They loved looking at our old shirt collection and our 2011/12 League One champions trophy; they loved getting photos with it and holding the trophy. Hopefully something they will see more of in the future when they are playing for the club!
“Anyone who works at the club, whether they are a player or a member of staff, should be shown our culture and history here at the club. That's what makes the club what it is today.
“Fans are appreciative when people understand the struggles we have been through, also to know where we are now isn’t where the club has always been. We have had periods of success and also not being so successful - that's part of our story.”
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.
