The Valley hosts its first Schools Partnership football tournament

More than 200 school children from across the Borough of Greenwich took part in the first ever Charlton Athletic Schools Partnership football tournament at The Valley earlier this week.

The tournament saw 22 different schools play six-a-side games on the pitch.

The club's Schools Partnership Scheme was launched at the start of the 2015/16 season and now includes 47 schools from across the borough.

As part of the scheme, schools receive exclusive benefits, including player visits, discounted match tickets, a Schools Partnership Scheme noticeboard and the opportunity to take part in this annual competition.

Cardwell Primary School won the morning’s tournament with Horn Park winning the afternoon session.

Club Development Manager Lisa Squires said: “Seeing the children’s face when they saw the pitch for the first time was absolutely brilliant. Some of these children wouldn’t get the opportunity to come to a football ground if it wasn’t for the Schools Partnership Scheme, so it’s immense that we’ve got this facility to provide to them. The children loved the day, I’ve never seen so many happy, smiley faces.”

Alexander McLeod Primary School teacher Josie Sheridan said: “Our class were extremely excited to be involved in the tournament. They had a great time. The children did really well and enjoyed themselves; it was a great afternoon.”