Friends of Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) were invited to Sparrows Lane for an exclusive Training Ground Experience as part of the benefits available through CACT’s fundraising initiative.
Friends of CACT sees supporters make a monthly donation to help CACT continue delivering its life-changing, ground-breaking work across south-east London and Kent. In recognition of that generosity, Friends receive a range of tiered benefits depending on their level of support, with the Training Ground Experience among the exclusive opportunities available.
Held for the first time since Friends of CACT was relaunched last year, the day provided Friends with a unique behind-the-scenes insight into a day at Sparrows Lane. Guests were shown the facilities used by the men’s first-team, women’s first-team, academy and CACT, before enjoying breakfast in the players’ canteen with CACT CEO Jason Morgan and CACT ambassador Steve Sutherland OBE.
Charlton legend Keith Peacock joined those invited throughout the morning and took part in an informal Q&A over breakfast, sharing stories from his star-studded career in SE7. Friends were then joined by Managing Director James Rodwell for an exclusive chat to answer a range of questions about the club.
The day also gave Friends of CACT the opportunity to see one of the many programmes their support helps to sustain, with attendees meeting members of the Charlton Upbeats as they prepared for their annual fixture against the men’s first team ahead of this year’s Upbeats Walk. After watching the Upbeats train, guests then observed a men’s first-team training session before watching the much-anticipated match between the Upbeats and Charlton players and staff.
The experience concluded with Friends meeting Charlton manager Nathan Jones, who took time to speak with supporters and pose for photographs.
Discussing the day, CACT CEO Jason Morgan said: “When we relaunched Friends of CACT earlier this season, I spoke with Nathan about giving those who are generously supporting our work the chance to see behind the scenes at Sparrows Lane, watch training and meet him.
“We’re very fortunate that he was fully supportive of the idea. We never take these opportunities for granted and we’re extremely thankful to be able to reward people who back CACT with experiences like this.”
Feedback from those in attendance was overwhelmingly positive, with several Friends sharing their thoughts on the day. Pete said: “I only recently joined Friends of CACT, so to get picked to come along, watch training and meet the Upbeats was a dream come true.”
Sean added: “Jason taking us around the training ground was incredible. It’s a really inclusive environment and feels like a one-club family.”
David and Sally said: “The day not only gave us an insight into the training ground, but also the chance to speak to people like Keith Peacock. He played in the first Charlton game I watched and is a hero of mine. He’s Charlton royalty but didn’t seem like it at all - he was really easy to talk to.”
Rob said: “Our club is all about community. You get the perks like this today and couldn’t do anything better with your money.”
Russell added: “I can’t think of many better causes to support because of the benefits it generates in the local community. Supporting CACT is money well spent.”