Danny Senda expressed his pride after his U21 side beat Haringey Borough to lift the London Senior Cup on Wednesday night.
The young Addicks ran out 5-3 victors after extra time in what was an entertaining final from the outset at Hendon's Silver Jubilee Park.
"It was a crazy game," said the U21 boss. "We got the job done which is what we came here to do. This is why this tournament is so beneficial to our young players. Haringey's fans were brilliant throughout and their players put us under immense pressure.
"It was a lesson to make these boys realise that, even when you go 3-0 up, games are never done. Haringey did really well to get themselves back into it, but then we showed the character and personality that this group has got in abundance.
"These are the lessons they've got to learn because the crowds get bigger the greater the challenges come and the expectations get bigger. They've got to learn to manage it which is why this is such a wonderful tournament. They got their rewards tonight so I'm massively pleased.
"We finished with six U18s on the pitch which is testament to what a wonderful group that is," he added. "I'm just really, really pleased for everyone within the academy and all these young players to get some silverware."
Captain Zach Mitchell, who headed his side back ahead six minutes into extra time, collected the man-of-the-match award following a commanding performance at the back.
Senda said: "He's having some season, isn't he? He came on for the first team on Saturday, he's come back and that's testament to Zach. When he's stepped in his attitude and mentality never changes.
"He was a real consistent, solid player for us tonight which we needed. I'm pleased that he's got some reward at this level as well. He's going to go on and have a wonderful career, but it's nights like these which I'm sure he cherishes as well because he enjoys playing with his mates."
The trophy is the academy’s second trophy in four days after the U18s picked up the Professional Development League 2 - South title on Saturday.
"I oversee the Professional Development Phase, but there are an immense amount of quality people and staff behind the scenes in the phase between 17 to 21," he explained. "That's two out of three for us now and we want to go on and get the PDL2 national title now."
The U21s conclude their 2022/23 campaign on Tuesday, May 9th when Hull City visit The Valley (2pm KO BST). Click here to purchase your tickets.
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.
For more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member, please click here.
