The Addicks' U9s recently visited the Charlton Athletic Museum to get a better understanding of the club’s history.
The museum, located in The Valley’s Covered End, is run by a group of passionate, volunteer trustees, who dedicate their time to finding out more about the club’s illustrious history.
Lead Foundation Phase Coach Sam Hoare said: “As part of our player care programme with the academy, we feel it's important to educate our players around the history of the club, from the lows to the highs.
“It was fantastic to receive such a great insight from the volunteers at the museum, looking at photos of our past and having the opportunity to see the shirts from players of the past.
“Highlights had to include the players being given the opportunity to lift the League One trophy, alongside being able to compare boots from the past to the more modern style as worn by Jason Pearce in the play-off final.
“It was a top afternoon which we thank everyone for, from the parents who joined us, the players and most importantly the museum volunteers for helping to organise it.”
Ben Hayes, museum trustee, added: “It was great to be able to show the new intake to the academy around the museum and tell them a little about the history of the club they will be representing.
“The boys were really into it and particularly enjoyed looking at the 1950s football boots and shin pads, comparing the replica shirts as well as having their photo taken with the 2011/12 League One trophy.
“I was really impressed by how engaged the lads' parents were too. They were asking their own questions about the club.
“All the U9s were given a leaflet with a potted history of the club that they could take away and read afterwards.
“We very much hope we can repeat these short tours to other academy teams as well as new first team players and all the staff at The Valley".
The Charlton Athletic Museum is open on Fridays from 11am until 3pm and on Saturday home matchdays from 11am until 1pm. The museum is free to enter and can be located to the left of the big badge in Harvey Gardens.
