Charlton Athletic are delighted to introduce the nine academy players who have been handed two-year scholarships with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Academy Manager Greg Miller commented: “It’s exciting to announce the new U18s scholars that we will welcome into the club on a full-time basis for the 2026/27 season.”
“Each player has had a different path before ending up with this contract, but what they all have in common is a desire to be a footballer. They have all have worked hard to demonstrate their talent at a level that makes us want to work with each one of them.”
“They will get a fantastic and varied football, educational and personal development experience during their scholarship and I speak for all the staff in saying welcome, well done and we look forward to working with each of you.”
AYDEN MINTO-ST AIMIE
Ayden has had a really strong U16 season, captaining the side on many occasions, as well as representing the U17 and U18 sides. A versatile player, Ayden has the ability to play as a centre-back, right-back and a central midfielder. Ayden always looks to be positive on the ball, known for his line breaking passes and has the ability to see and execute many types of passes. He shows great courage and bravery on the ball.
CHETAM EZENWATA
Chetam has had a really strong season, playing most of his games for the U18s, whilst picking up the Steve Clarke award on behalf of the CAFC Supporters Trust. A rock at the back, Chetam is superb in his 1v1 duels, showing great strength and power to regain possession for the team. A left-footed centre-back, Chetam looks to drive with the ball in possession, as well as hit superb switches of play to wingers on both sides of the pitch. Chetam represented England U16s earlier in the season.
THEO LARONDE
Theo has had a troublesome season with injuries but has finished the season strongly, most notably with his performances in the recent Algarve Elite Cup. A quick, energetic and physically dominant right-back, Theo is superb in his 1v1s and shows real quality and composure on the ball. Since signing with us at U9 level, Theo has played many positions throughout his academy career and has developed superbly throughout his time in the academy.
ZAION CHRISTIAN
Zaion signed for us at the start of U15s, where he joined us from Leyton Orient. Since then, Zaion has gone from strength to strength, improving all the time into a well-rounded midfielder. Zaion is equally capable as a deeper midfielder where he can build from the back and break up play, or as a higher 10 where he has added 10 goals and 8 assists to his game this season.
KIT FLEMING
Kit is a left-footed midfielder that has been with the academy since U9. Showing versatility throughout his academy life, Kit has settled superbly as a holding midfielder in the last two seasons. Kit demonstrates a great range of passing, spraying balls across the pitch, as well as scoring several free kicks this season. Kit has 10 goals and 8 assists this season.
NOAH GROVER-SMITH
Noah is an aggressive and tenacious left-back signed by the academy at U14. Noah is extremely comfortable on the ball, showing great courage to receive and more often than not find a way out of pressure. He takes pride in his performances, always showing a willingness to win his 1v1 duels and get the better of his direct opponents. Noah loves to analyse his performances and is always looking to improve his game.
JAYDEN TWUM
Jayden has been with us since U12, playing anywhere across the front line but mostly as a centre forward. Jayden struggled with long-term injuries in his U14 & U15 seasons, but it’s been great to see him on the pitch this season and show what he can do. Jayden is known for his pace, power and shooting technique, and has contributed significantly this season with 25 goals and 7 assists.
MIKHAIL SIMONS
Mikhail is a determined and hard-working centre back who has been with us since U9 level. Mikhail is exactly what you want from a defender, understated, physical and loves to defend. He is a very humble young man and takes great pride in everything he does. Mikhail too has struggled with some injuries in recent seasons but has come through these and is showing real robustness, ready for U18s football.
CAMERON REID
Cameron joined the club this summer following a successful trial period, coming off the back of an impressive season with Linfield U21s, where he helped secure domestic cup honours with the Harry Cavan youth cup, having previously represented Glentoran. A Northern Ireland youth international, the left-back combines a strong physical presence with excellent athleticism, allowing him to influence both ends of the pitch, with a quality final ball to trouble.
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
