Trust in Charlton Upbeats

Supporters rallied around to help the Charlton Upbeats win the People's Millions competition last season, and now the Charlton Community Trust is again asking for fans' backing.

The Upbeats, a team of youngsters with Down's syndrome, received £37,800 after winning a public vote as part of ITV's London Tonight programme.

But the initiative is still looking for funding to secure the long-term future of the Upbeats, and a fundraising dinner will take place at The Valley on Thursday, October 14th.

Trust disability and mental health officer Carl Krauhaus explained: "Twelve months ago, we were approached by the Down's Syndrome Association to organise a football project for young people with Down's syndrome.

"Since then, more than 100 kids have registered and we have around 25-30 regular attendees from the ages of five to 24 every Saturday at Sparrows Lane."

The People's Millions funding ends in December, and the trust is now exploring ways to ensure the programme continues for the next two or three years.

"It's a multi-sport programme, so it's not just football," said Carl. "We deliver tag rugby, street dance, cricket and tri-golf, and we want to involve the young people in local environmental programmes as well, so they can get some idea of how to improve the local area.

"One of those programmes is coming up at the training ground soon, and we're asking kids to design an environmental scheme.

"We've also trained our coaches to communicate with youngsters using sign language, which has enabled them to interact much more effectively with the Upbeats at sessions.

"We're therefore keen to protect the funding for such a worthwhile cause, and allow the project to further develop."

The Upbeats entered the People's Millions competition at the end of 2009, and campaigned at The Valley at the home match against Milton Keynes Dons.

Players and their families distributed leaflets around the stadium in advance of kick-off, a special film was shown on the big screen at half-time, and players were also introduced to the Addicks faithful. There was also extensive coverage on www.cafc.co.uk and in the Valley Review matchday programme.

The initiative began in partnership with DS Active to provide opportunities for youngsters with Down's to access and enjoy football and other activities at their own speed and at a level that is manageable for them.

And now trust officials are inviting supporters to attend the special fundraising dinner in October. Tickets are priced £60 per head or £500 for a table of 10.

For further details, contact Carl Krauhaus on 0871 781 2095* or email carl.krauhaus@cact.org.uk

Fans can read how the Upbeats claimed victory in the People's Millions competition here.

*Calls to 0871 226 1905 cost 10p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more.