Alfie May and Kiera Skeels have been confirmed as the men’s and women’s Proud Valiants Player of the Season winners.
Proud Valiants is Charlton’s official fan group for LGBTQI+ supporters and allies. Established nine years ago today to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the group acts as a network for LGBTQI+ fans and as a campaigning body affiliated with groups such as Kick It Out.
It has been an impressive season for both recipients of the award. In his debut campaign for the Addicks, May finished as Sky Bet League One's top scorer with 23 goals, was named in the EFL Team of the Season for League One and was yesterday shortlisted for the 2023/24 PFA League One Fans’ Player of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Skeels has been an ever-present member of Karen Hills’ starting XI in a season where the Addicks finished second in the Barclays Women’s Championship, just one point behind champions Crystal Palace. The England youth international centre-back has cemented herself as Co-Captain of the side and played a vital part in the side’s incredible 11 clean sheets in 22 league games.
Proud Valiants Chairperson Rob Harris said: “Reaching our ninth birthday is a huge achievement and something that we could not have achieved without the amazing support of both the club, the Community Trust, our sister group Charlton Invicta and most recently the University of Greenwich. With the wonderful support of our members and allies, we have been able to grow in this time from just three members to now well over 100.
“As we go into our 10th season, we look back at how much good work has been done by our group and the support our members continue to show each other. We are also aware of how much work still has to be done in our fight for equality and a time when football is really for all.
“Ultimately the Proud Valiants is, at its core, a group of football fans who want a safe space to watch the team they love - Charlton - with like-minded people. We have many events planned leading up to our 10th birthday, but we are proud to launch them with our fourth annual Player of the Season awards, voted on by our members and allies. These awards recognise and show love to the amazing men and women who represent our club on the pitch.”
Proud Valiants Player of the Season winners:
2020/21 - Jake Forster-Caskey and Eartha Cumings
2021/22 - George Dobson and Anna Filbey
2022/23 - Miles Leaburn and Beth Roe
2023/24 - Alfie May and Kiera Skeels
