Charlton Athletic and 3P3 The Legacy held a testimonial match between the U15s and a select XI from 3P3 at Sparrows Lane last week.
The fixture was held in honour of Pierre Bolangi, a promising 17-year-old left-back, who was part of the U18s' pre-season training camp in Aldershot when he got into difficulty and drowned during an army training exercise.
The game was organised in conjunction with 3P3 The Legacy, a community interest company established by Pierre's family and friends, to honour his life and values.
At the end of the game, a CPR education session was held in front of both young teams and staff, to highlight the importance of knowing how to save lives.
Head of Academy Operations Daniel Gill emphasised how important it is that 3P3 continue to educate the young players about the life of Pierre.
"From our point of view, it is really important," he explained.
"Not just because it is an opportunity to play another game, but it is important that we educate our players on some of the history and legacy our academy has done over the years. Ideally, it would be in a better situation instead of celebrating Pierre's time with us, but that is why it is cruical for us to do this, and it is why we do it every year."
Pierre's sister Angelique Bolangi and his cousin Tony Ilo are Directors of 3P3 The Legacy. They explained the significance of the work that they do within the community, and how much returning to Sparrows Lane meant to them.
"I have been delighted to share this with everyone to be honest," Tony said.
"We want to provide opportunities within the community in the name of Pierre, and that is a way of simplifying what we actually do. Through sport, assistance through academics and whatever the young people need help with. Pierre had a challenging life despite being such a happy person."
"It has been really important coming here, because every year we get a different set of boys and we want them to go back home and to pass on the message that we are trying to convey."
"We have been here as a part of 3P3, to honour Pierre's name." Angela explained.
"This means a lot, because it would mean a lot to Pierre. Charlton was like Pierre's second home really, we didn't see him at home, he was always here. I feel like he is here and he is saying he made it, and that is how I feel, because even if he was alive, this is the kind of thing Pierre would do."
