Funded entirely through the fantastic support of Valley Gold, fans' donations have contributed to the purchase of two brand-new minibuses for the club's academy.
Head of Academy Transport Bob McNab said: "Valley Gold once again have sponsored the academy minibuses, paying for them in full for the next five years. We’ve got two brand-new ones and this is now - in the 14 years I’ve been here - the third time they've done this.
"We've got two great new minibuses, 17 seaters which will take our youth sides to their matches across Great Britain, Ireland and Europe. They get used on a daily basis and if it wasn’t for Valley Gold, I’m not sure if we would be able to get them."
McNab explained the need for the new buses, given that the previous ones have clocked up over 200,000 miles combined between them over a four-year period.
"We have had these minibuses since early October and the miles we've done already would be up as far as the north of England, with numerous airport runs as well. 12 years ago, they purchased the Valley Gold trailer and that's up and down the country every week to this day. If it wasn’t for Valley Gold, we would struggle for transport.
"We can accommodate the U9s up to the U21s with the minibuses, also allowing us to help out the U8s when we can. We are now assisting the women’s U21s team with transport when possible. The safety of the players is of the utmost importance. There are crossover seatbelts to assist everybody as well."
McNab was full of thanks for Valley Gold, whose constant support is a major cog in Sparrows Lane's conveyor belt of success.
"I’m a big advocate for Valley Gold," he said. "I appreciate everything they do. We were struggling as the minibuses that we had were clocking up the miles at a fast rate. I went to Valley Gold and straight away they had a meeting, and it was an overwhelming yes.
"It took five months for the vehicles to become available as they are hard to get your hands on. If it wasn’t for the Valley Gold members’ support, the academy wouldn’t be able to provide transport and trips abroad. It's such a great organisation."
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.
