Charlton Athletic men’s first-team manager Nathan Jones has praised the work of Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) after attending the 2025 CACT Awards ceremony at the House of Lords.
Reflecting on the evening, Jones spoke about the emotional impact of hearing participant Azmeena’s story and the important role CACT continues to play within the Charlton community.
“It’s always emotional,” Jones said, after attending his second CACT awards as Charlton manager. “Last year it was the story of Mikey; this year we’ve had another fantastic story again [from Azmeena], showing what the Trust does. It’s just part and parcel of our wonderful football club. The projects and work CACT does are groundbreaking and life-changing.
“The work they do is constantly increasing, and when you hear people’s stories, it shows the phenomenal work of Jason [Morgan, CACT CEO] and the team at the Community Trust.”
Jones added that the night offered him another reminder about the responsibility of managing Charlton.
“I think you have a responsibility [as manager] to buy into everything at the club. Being part of the Charlton family means you have a responsibility to be all that Charlton is: good, humble and hardworking,” he said.
“You have to try and change lives and buy into all those things, because this is more than a football club. For the people of south-east London and even further reaching, this is a life-changing football club and I’m really proud and honoured by that. I know my role in this, and I need to have that responsibility to buy into it and carry it forward.”
Jones concluded by praising the togetherness of everyone involved at the club, following a hugely successful recent period on and off the pitch.
“This is a wonderful football club and there are so many good facets throughout,” Jones explained. “The fans are wonderful and we have a great rapport.
“The owners have Charlton at heart, then there’s the executive group and all the people right down to the coaching staff, the women’s team, academy leaders and CACT staff. We’re aligned now as a football club - this is a project we want to see right through, and I’m really proud to be a small part of that, to work for this club and to grow with it.
“I have a wonderful family, but this is an extension of a magical family.”
Jones’ full interview can be watched in the video below.