Wednesday 14 April marked the annual English Football League (EFL) Day of Action, where community organisations from football clubs across the country celebrate the work they are doing in their local community.
Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) has been running a free Easter Camp for 8 to 16-year-olds who are eligible for Free School Meals.
The Easter Camp, delivered in the London Borough of Bexley for a week and then the Royal Borough of Greenwich, in partnership with both local authorities, provided a safe environment for young people to have fun, socialise and learn new skills.
Young people taking part were also provided with a healthy breakfast and a hot lunch each day.
Admore Construction and Subcontractors supported the food provision, raising £10,550 in December which helped ensure free meals were a key part of the Easter Camp.
On Wednesday, newly-appointed Charlton Athletic Women Head Coach Karen Hills visited the Easter Camp at Eltham Hill School alongside men’s striker Ronnie Schwartz.
Karen and Ronnie observed the various activities on offer at the camp, which included an educational workshop based around diversity, outdoor hockey and an arts and crafts session.
Speaking on the day, Karen Hills said:
“We’ve been asked some really interesting questions. We went into a diversity education piece in which it was nice to hear lots of really good questions around different kinds of cultures. And having the opportunity to be in and around the kids, the environment and the community is really important for me.”
Ronnie Schwartz said:
“It’s been a lovely day to see the kids out, it’s been a long time [for them] I think with Covid and difficult for the young kids, and it’s nice to see them with their friends.
“I’ve been to some camps in Denmark also and I think it’s good for them.”
George, a 14-year-old participant on the Easter Camp, said:
“It was a good experience [to meet Karen and Ronnie] to get a perspective of someone on the pitch and a person managing a big football team.
“The Easter Camp has been fun: meeting new people, new experiences and all of that stuff.”