Harrison Wickers - Advanced Centre
“We have noticed Harrison growing in confidence and ability since he has been playing with Charlton”
Nine-year-old Harrison Wickers has become the latest addition to Charlton Athletic’s Academy U10 team after progressing through Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT’s) Advanced Centre programme.
CACT’s Advanced Centre is a specialised Charlton Athletic Academy-designed curriculum focusing on technical abilities among players aged from the U5-U13 age groups.
Harrison was originally spotted playing in goal with his grassroots team and invited to attend a Talent ID event at CACT’s Advanced Centre.
Warren Wickers, Harrison’s father said:
“Harrison really enjoyed the event and was excited to be invited back to the Advanced Centre to train. Unfortunately, COVID-19 then took its grip on the world, training was put on hold, and he never got the chance to go back that year.”
Once lockdown restrictions were lifted, Harrison was invited back to participate in a festival arranged by the Advanced Centre and to fill in for one of the Academy teams. Following this, Harrison was given the opportunity to trial with the Academy U9s.
Harrison’s father, said:
“Harrison settled in really quickly with such a friendly group of talented boys and got to take part in matches against Brighton, Arsenal and Chelsea.”
Harrison has since been offered a place on the U10 Academy team and is looking forward to starting the new season with his teammates.
CACT’s new Goalkeeper Development Course starts on Friday 10 September and is a great opportunity for young goalkeepers aged between 6-12 to showcase and develop their talent. Taking place at Charlton Athletic’s Training Ground in New Eltham from 4-5pm, players who excel may get the opportunity to progress into the Charlton Advanced Centre Programme like Harrison.