Today, over 175 supporters will be taking on Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) annual Upbeats Walk, sponsored by DNEL Events, ahead of the match against Port Vale.
The 9-mile walk from Charlton Athletic’s Training Ground in New Eltham to The Valley will be led by Charlton legends Bob Bolder, Simon Webster and Paul Mortimer.
This morning will kick off with a welcome from CharltonTV’s Scott Minto and boxer Jake Goodwin leading a warm-up for our walkers.
The group will stop at Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club for a halfway point snack and refreshments provided by DNEL Events and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. The walkers will also be greeted by Dean Holden and CACT Ambassador and Absolute Radio presenter Dave Berry.
Before Charlton’s men’s team take to the pitch, the Upbeats will be playing their own match against Everton in the Community’s Down’s syndrome team. Munich Trophies have kindly donated the medals for the game.
In the run-up to the walk, the Upbeats have been keeping busy! From painting pitch lines with the groundsmen to prepping the players lunches with the kitchen staff, the Upbeats took charge at the Training Ground recently and tried their hand at a variety of jobs.
They even had the chance to ask men’s first-team manager Dean Holden questions in his weekly press conference.
A recent evaluation report found that 100% of the Upbeats have increased their social skills, made new friends and improved their emotional wellbeing since joining the programme.
96% of parents/carers said that their child being part of the Upbeats had improved and strengthened their relationship with their son/daughter.
The Upbeats need your support! Please consider helping the programme run for another year and offer its participants new opportunities and experiences by donating today where you can. To do this, please click here.