Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) are inviting Year 11 students to explore a range of post-16 football and education pathways ahead of the 2026/27 academic year, through a series of upcoming talent ID sessions and open evenings across south-east London and Kent. Our post-16 football & education academies are delivered across three sites - at the Charlton Training Ground in New Eltham, Cleeve Park School in Sidcup and the Alcaline Stadium in Kent, home of Folkestone Invicta.
CACT’s post-16 academy is a two-year, full-time education and football development programme, delivered in partnership with professional and non-league football clubs. Open to keen footballers aged 16 to 18, the programme is ideal for young people looking to combine their studies with a structured football pathway.
Male and female students interested in joining the post-16 academies based at Cleeve Park School and the Charlton Training Ground can attend talent ID sessions taking place next month, with Cleeve Park sessions scheduled for Thursday, February 19th, and Training Ground sessions scheduled for Friday, February 20th. An open evening at The Valley will also take place for students and families interested in both sites, providing the opportunity to meet the post-16 team, learn more about the education offer and understand how the academy pathway works.
For those based in Kent, CACT deliver a post-16 programme in partnership with Folkestone Invicta for male and female players. Alongside combining football with their education, players will have clear playing pathway opportunities at Folkestone, as well as employability opportunities with CACT as a sports coach within the south-Kent community. Talent ID sessions and an open evening at the Alcaline Stadium will also take place next month on Monday, February 16th.
All talent ID sessions and open evenings are open to male and female players, and places must be booked in advance. To find out more and secure a place, click here to sign up for the relevant session.