Advanced Centre

Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) offer talented players from our community programmes the opportunity to train each week within our Advanced Centre. This programme is invitation only, with places offered to players recruited by Charlton or those who have demonstrated their potential while attending one of CACT's programmes.

Players selected for the programme benefit from high-quality coaching delivered by UEFA A and UEFA B Licence coaches at the Charlton Training Ground. Sessions follow a specialised Charlton Athletic Academy-based curriculum designed to develop players' technical, physical, social and psychological abilities across the U5 to U13 age groups.

In addition to weekly training, players will have opportunities to compete in fixtures against local academies and Charlton Athletic Academy teams, providing valuable experiences in a challenging and supportive environment.

Player Progression

The Advanced Centre is designed to support player development and progression. Throughout their time in the programme, players will be continually assessed and monitored.

Players may progress into our Junior Premier League (JPL) teams, continue their development within the Advanced Centre, or be invited to attend a trial with Charlton Athletic Academy. While some players may be asked to leave the programme if it is no longer the right environment for their development, our aim is to support every player on an appropriate pathway that challenges and develops them.

How Players Are Selected

Players are identified through participation in a range of CACT Football and Sports Development programmes, including:

• Football Holiday Courses
• Toddler Soccer
• Charlton Challenge
• Player Development Centres
• Primary School Delivery Programmes

When players demonstrate strong technical ability, excellent movement skills and a good understanding of the game, CACT coaches may recommend them for an Advanced Centre assessment.

Girls' Player Pathway

The Advanced Centre currently caters for male players. However, CACT works closely with the Charlton Athletic Girls' pathway and Centre of Excellence. Female players who demonstrate outstanding potential within our Football and Sports Development programmes may be recommended for opportunities within the girls' pathway.

Players Who Have Progressed to Charlton Athletic Academy

The Advanced Centre has provided a pathway for numerous players who have progressed into the Charlton Athletic Academy, including:

• Jonathan Beqiri
• Seyi Kolajo
• Kyan May
• Roman Douglas-Boast
• Malachi Ige
• Josh Hunt
• Harrison Wickers
• Raheem Offiah
• Kairo Sage
• Enrik Legasi
• Jake Maloney
• Niall
• Kayden Bashir
• Yemi
• Dylan Burns
• Osaro
• Harley
• Casey

Watch the video below to learn more about Kaylen's story, which highlights the impact of the Advanced Centre on his development.