Addicks mark World Down Syndrome Day with the Charlton Upbeats

James King reports

The Charlton Upbeats, Charlton’s Down Syndrome Team received a coaching masterclass from Addicks Manager Karl Robinson and some of his first-team players last week.

The three times DS National champions practised their shooting and penalties with captain Johnnie Jackson, goalkeeper Declan Rudd and Scotland international Tony Watt.

The team were preparing for the Charlton Upbeats Day, which takes place on Saturday, April 8th.

""&

300 fundraisers from the Charlton family will be walking nine miles from the training ground in New Eltham to The Valley. Charlton Upbeats will then be taking on Albion in the Community’s DS Active team on the famous Valley pitch before Charlton’s first-team game against Southend United.

Speaking straight after the training session, Charlton Manager Karl Robinson said: “I’ve seen this morning, the talent, the smiles, the jovial nature with which they’ve come into the training ground. It’s been great having them.”

Over 170 young people with Down’s Syndrome from across South East London and Kent are registered with The Upbeats, with 40 regular attendees at every Saturday morning training session.

They also play in the Kent Adult Disability League and were successful in being league winners in their first season. The Upbeats are also three times, National Down’s syndrome champions.

Carl Krauhaus, Head of Early Help & Prevention at CACT said: “The Charlton fans have really taken the Upbeats to their hearts over the last couple of years.

We’re passionate about providing opportunities for disabled young people at CACT. It’s incredible that on World Down Syndrome Day we are able to celebrate the success of one of our most popular programmes.”

Spaces are still available to sign up to on the walk on Saturday April 8th. Supporters can sign up by visiting CACT’s new website: www.cact.org.uk/courses/upbeats-walk

And you can donate to the Upbeats directly by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/charltonathleticcommunitytrust/charltonupbeatsday2017