Former member of the Addicks’ esteemed academy Kevin George sat down to discuss this year’s Pierre Bolangi Legacy Match, taking place at Sparrows Lane this Friday.
George, a former teammate of Pierre and founder of Soccology, will bring a team of aspiring footballers to Charlton’s training ground, facing off against one of our academy sides, in memory of Pierre.
Over 24-years-ago, on August 9th, 2000, promising 17-year-old left-back Bolangi was part of the club’s U18s’ pre-season training camp in Aldershot, when he got into difficulty and passed away during an army training exercise.
In present day, George hopes to continue Pierre’s legacy at the club, providing the youth of today with incredible opportunities and pathways into the sport, carrying out Pierre’s dream.
Speaking on Friday’s fixture, George said, “I was looking at different ways to create legacies for Pierre, and this game is that. I wanted one that can basically provide people, young people, the opportunity to achieve their dreams in Pierre's name. Pierre's dream was to become a professional footballer, and the question was that, why not use his memory, or Pierre's name, to provide that dream to others.”
“We will be playing the Charlton U13s, and our team will be made up of boys who have already known each other for a few weeks, so boys from across London who came together to make the most of this opportunity.”
“They play at grassroots level,” claimed George when discussing the side he will be fielding. “Last year, we had one of the boys get signed, and he was playing at a grassroots team. Hopefully one of these boys get in this year. There's a lot of people helping as well. For example, Kevin Lisbie recommended one player the other day, fingers crossed, he gets to show what he can do."
George expressed his joy at being able to carry on Pierre’s legacy, being a former teammate and friend of his family, he shared the delight he gets in inspiring the youth through Pierre’s story.
“Pierre was super energetic and super passionate; he was a complete contrast on and off the pitch. He wasn't the captain, but he was given captain’s responsibilities. On the pitch, he was tunnel visioned.
“Giving people the opportunity to fulfil their dream, also providing that platform for them to develop characteristics and not only serve them in football, but in life, it’s priceless. It's difficult for me to even explain what it means to me, because I think the value is more in terms of what it is and how it develops other people and the opportunity it provides them.”
In memory of Pierre, the club previously installed a memorial garden at Sparrows Lane, allowing current players, new additions and youth prospects to see and hear Pierre’s story upon entry to the club.
“It's just nice to be able to build on that memorial garden with the Pierre Bolangi award. And now this, which is to keep the dream alive with the memorial game. I'm hoping that we can grow it and get as much support as we can by doing so.”
As mentioned previously, George and Angelique Bolangi, Pierre’s sister, also created the Pierre Bolangi Award back in 2022. Given to an U18 player within the academy, who demonstrates the characteristics of Pierre, those being resilience, leadership, optimism and compassion.
Mason Hunter became the latest recipient of the award back in May 2024, with current U21s, Keenan Gough and Seydil Toure winning the award prior.
“For the award, I asked Steve Avory if he could pick people that showed those characteristics. Another way to keep Pierre’s dream and legacy alive by rewarding those who are already in the system. Regardless of whatever happens to their career in the future, whether they make it or not, that's an achievement to have, being acknowledged for the person they are.”
Addicks fans can show their support to Kevin and the Soccology initiative by donating to the GoFundMe, for more information on the project and Pierre’s story, please click here.
“I've been funding it myself pretty much. Last year I funded it, and I'm funding it right now, and it's a struggle for me.
“I've created a GoFundMe, so if fans can support that, that will be greatly appreciated. I have effectively done everything, from coaching, recruiting and promotion. I haven't had a chance to promote the GoFundMe, but any support in that regard would be fantastic.”
