Charlton's U17s take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League Cup final on Friday night and Lead Coach Jason Pearce is confident in his side’s chances to become the first category two academy to clinch the silverware.
The young Addicks have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United to reach the showpiece final against Spurs at Stevenage's Lamex Stadium (KO 7.30pm BST).
Supporters are able to attend Friday’s clash to watch Charlton's future stars, with tickets available on the gate and priced at just £5 for adults and £2 for U18s.
"We played against some really good sides, but the boys have been really together," said Pearce. "They've been consistent in their performances and scored some really good goals. I think it'll be a fantastic night for the lads. Whatever happens, whatever outcome, they deserve to be in the final.
"Last year, this group did play in a final in the category two cup competition and they did really well to win that. So they've had a little bit of experience in the big games, but this year’s final should be a good occasion.
"Spurs a top club and a top team at this level. We've watched them quite a few times and they've got some really, really talented players all over the pitch, international players.
"It's one of those games where you get to come and see the next generation, the next talent that could come through into our first-team and beyond. If you're willing to come and support us, we need all the support we can get in this game. We’d love you to come down and watch and help us."
Emmanuel Sol-Loza, who scored a hat-trick as the U16s were crowned Premier League Professional Development League Cup champions at The Valley last season, added: "I’m buzzing to get to another cup final. Obviously going into this final, it's the normal mindset that I have - I want to be a threat and obviously hopefully get the goals that I need to make the team win.
"We’ve beaten some of the best academies in the country and I feel like we've been able to stretch ourselves against these top oppositions. I think it'll be a good test for us in the final. With our type of players and creativity up top, I think that we can exploit their weak areas as well."
Defender Marley Dawkins believes last year's cup final experience will stand the side in good stead this Friday.
"I’m very excited to go and play in that stadium in front of our family and friends," he explained. "We already know what it feels like, so it won't really be anything new to us, but it'll just be another good experience for the whole team."
"We know they're a good academy, very technical and they've got some good players so it'll be a good challenge, but I think we can win."
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.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
(Article by Noah Langford, photo: Thomas Negri)
