A blog from University of Greenwich student, Harriet, who supported Charlton staff at and ahead of the Addicks game against Wrexham on Saturday, October 26th...
I recently had the incredible opportunity to observe and participate in the partnership between the University of Greenwich (UOG) and Charlton Athletic.
As a Student Ambassador, I took part in one of Charlton's most significant annual events - Red, White and Black Day - which celebrates the club’s values of diversity, unity, and inclusion under the motto 'All Different. All Together. All Charlton.' Adding to the excitement, this event coincided with one of the biggest matches Charlton has hosted since the 2019 play-off semi-final, with over 24,000 tickets sold. The energy in the stadium was palpable as fans filled the stands in a powerful show of support.
The previous weekend, I had the privilege of interviewing Charlton Athletic’s own Alex Mitchell. As a Charlton fan, sitting down with a player was an amazing experience. Alex shared insights into his journey, challenges, and passion for the game, providing me with a new perspective on the motivation and commitment required to compete at such a high level. The interview was later shared across Charlton’s social media channels, making it even more special to see my work connect with the fanbase and contribute to Charlton’s story.
Throughout Red, White and Black Day, I worked behind the scenes, helping with the filming of the day as well as interacting with the community throughout their parade toward the stadium. However, I spent most of my day shadowing Charlton’s media professional Charlotte Richardson. Observing her in action offered a firsthand look at the fast-paced environment of sports media, from equipment set-up on matchdays to handling real-time communications as a commentator, interviewer or correspondent. Her mentorship was invaluable, demonstrating the adaptability and communication skills necessary to keep a major event running smoothly, especially on such a busy day.
After witnessing the tremendous hard work and dedication that goes into each match, I was given a seat to watch the game, which further fuelled my motivation to see Charlton succeed on the pitch. From coordinating media interviews to ensuring every detail is perfect for fans and players alike, the effort involved in creating a seamless matchday experience is astounding. Knowing how much everyone - from the media team to stadium staff - invests in making each game special gave me a deeper appreciation for the club. While the match ended in a draw, the tireless work behind the scenes and on the pitch, regardless of the score, reflects the dedication of countless individuals who believe in and support Charlton’s journey.
The UOG-Charlton partnership has been an unforgettable part of my university experience, especially as I’ve been lucky enough to participate for two consecutive years. For students like me, this partnership provides a chance to learn directly from industry professionals while gaining practical experience in a challenging environment.
(Harriet below, pictured with Mark Goldbridge)
