Dylan Burns - Valley Gold Advanced Centre
Dylan Burns joined the Valley Gold Advanced Centre (VGAC) in February 2022 after he was released from the Charlton Athletic Pre-Academy U7s.
Unfortunately, some players are released from the Academy, as Dylan was. A number of players are then given the opportunity to take part in VGAC sessions which have been designed to build upon their existing skills and train them up to Academy standard.
Dylan attended VGAC sessions regularly, working on all aspects of the game, improving his confidence and ability.
After performing and excelling during a game against the Pre-Academy U8s in October 2023, Dylan re-joined the Academy on trial and continued his training with them.
Due to his excellent development with the VGAC and improved confidence in his skills, Dylan received an offer to sign for the Academy U9s after a successful trial ahead of the 2023/24. The official signing on day was held at The Valley.
Paul Burns, Dylan’s dad, said:
“Dylan really enjoyed the training sessions at the Valley Gold Advanced Centre, they helped improved his skills and confidence & we are thankful to the staff there.”
Bradley Marshall, CACT’s Senior Football & Sports Development Officer, said:
"Dylan came into the Advanced Centre and needed to develop the technical aspects of his game, decision making and being aware of where his position on the pitch was, with and without the ball. He developed all of these aspects whilst he was with us to a level where he was impressing VGAC coaches.
"He also did very well in the games against the Pre-Academy U8s, and it was decided he should be moved into this group, where he has stayed and impressed enough to earn a contract for the U9s next season.’’
Click here to find out more about the Valley Gold Advanced Centre.