Osaro - Advanced Centre
Following nearly two years of development in Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) Advanced Centre, Osaro has signed for Charlton Athletic’s Academy.
Osaro first joined the Advanced Centre at Under-9 level in February 2024 and quickly impressed coaches with his natural strengths, particularly his pace and movement. Over time, he became a player the coaching staff enjoyed working with as he continued to develop his game.
While Osaro showed strong natural ability, his time working with CACT’s Advanced Centre coaches helped him refine the technical side of his game and develop a better understanding of his role both in and out of possession. Coaches also supported him in learning how to use his physical strengths more effectively during matches.
Through consistent hard work and commitment, Osaro made significant progress. His development at the Advanced Centre, alongside playing grassroots football, helped give him the tools needed to succeed when the opportunity arose to have a trial with the club’s academy.
CACT Football and Sport Development Manager Bradley Marshall said: “Osaro arrived at our Advanced Centre with strong natural physical attributes. He needed time to develop the technical side of his game and to learn how and when to use his strengths effectively. During his time at the Advanced Centre, he made significant progress in these areas as well as others, and as a result the recruitment team put him forward for a trial with the academy, which he successfully passed.”
Reflecting on his journey from the Advanced Centre to joining the Charlton Academy, Osaro said: “When I joined CACT’s Advanced Centre, I realised the level there was high and this pushed me to train harder and helped me become a better player. The coaches played me in different positions, meaning I learned a lot about different roles on the pitch. A highlight from playing in the Advanced Centre was the matches against other high-level teams, and even Charlton Academy, which was always a great experience.”
Osaro’s mum Pamela added: “As a parent I was really grateful for CACT’s Advanced Centre. I felt it helped Osaro develop his skills, giving him more confidence in his game. He was there for almost two years and really enjoyed his time there.”