U12s goalkeeper Harry Goedhart won a closely-contested final to become the third-ever Valley Gold academy Crossbar Challenge champion.
Goedhart, a Charlton fan, will now take on U21s defender Seydil Toure on academy Day this Saturday on the pitch at The Valley during half-time of the Addicks' Sky Bet League One clash against Barnsley.
The competition, started in 2020, sees every member of the club’s esteemed academy get a chance of being crowned the champion ahead of Charlton’s annual academy and Valley Gold-themed matchday.
Ishmael Douglas-Warner from the club’s U14s was the first to hit the crossbar before Goedhart struck to force a final, where he triumphed.
This year, for the first time, the winner will take on the winner of an U21s competition.
Saturday’s game at The Valley between Charlton and Barnsley has been selected as the annual matchday and each of the boys' academy squads, from as young as U9 level, will walk around the pitch at half-time, allowing the Charlton faithful to show their support. There will also be a special training session at half-time for the club’s U8s team.
Valley Gold academy Crossbar Challenge
2024 participants:
Grayson White (U9s), Josh Hunt (U10s), Ryan Masters (U11s), Harry Goedhart (U12s), Ishmael Douglas-Warner (U14s), Mishel Nduka (U15s), Dionte Davis (U16s), Ethan Cann (U18s)
Winners:
2024: Harry Goedhart (U12s)
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.
