Lloyd Jones praised the work of Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) during a recent visit to a Premier League Inspires session at Hurstmere School in Sidcup.
Premier League Inspires is a personal development programme, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation. The programme uses the power of football to inspire young people aged 11-to-18 to develop the personal skills and positive attitudes needed to succeed in life.
Jones’ visit coincided with participants taking part in a workshop focused on their future ambitions and the strengths they will need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
The 30-year-old joined the young people for group work, sharing his own experiences and discussing some of the challenges he has overcome during his career, before taking part in a wider Q&A about football and his journey in the game.
“It was a really good visit,” Jones said. “It was a great experience for me to meet the young people taking part in the workshop. It was interesting to hear what they had to say and it took me back to being in school.
“I never really had the chance to meet a professional footballer at their age, so I hope they can take any insight or advice I gave them into their everyday lives.”
The session was delivered by CACT Co Risk and Violence Reduction Manager Kim Dixson, who praised the impact of Jones’ visit on the participants.
“I think the boys took a lot from having a player visit and really listened to Lloyd and how he spoke to them,” Dixson said. “They related to him really well and it was great to have the captain visit one of our sessions.”
Jones, who is now in his fourth season in SE7, also praised the work he continues to see from CACT both at Sparrows Lane and more widely across south-east London and Kent.
“Charlton is a club for the community. We see it day in and day out around the Training Ground. All the work CACT does for the community is excellent.”
Want to support CACT’s work across south-east London and Kent? Join Friends of CACT, the Trust’s fundraising initiative, and receive a range of exclusive benefits.