U18s duo Tate Elliott and Raynon Richman are relishing the prospect of playing in the Professional Development League play-off final against Wigan Athletic at The Valley on Friday (KO 7pm BST).
The young Addicks, who have already lifted the Professional Development League - South title, booked their place in the final with an impressive 4-1 victory over Hull City in SE7 last Saturday.
Elliott is proud of the season he and the team have had so far. The defender said: "We've had a really strong season this year, it's been really good in the U18s group. Some of us have had the opportunity to play in the U21s team which has been really good for us - it's built some strength as well and it's been good for character development.
"There are already areas for improvement which we've already looked at. We're ready to step into the next game now and we're feeling confident. We just want to enjoy it to be honest."
Forward Richman echoed his teammate's thoughts as he reflected on the 2025/26 campaign.
"This season has been a strong season for us as a team," he explained. "We've all worked hard and we've all come a long way. We went on an unbeaten run for quite a lot of the season and the boys have been really united for the season. We've kept it strong.
"You saw in the last performance the boys really had to come together and show resilience and character, and that's what the team is about.
"Jason Pearce and Kevin James, they drive us and I feel like we should be able to do well on Friday."
Elliott led the team out at The Valley on Saturday, wearing the captain's armband.
"For me to lead the team as captain was a proud moment for me, it was really enjoyable and we needed to come together. We knew what we had to do. There's a real togetherness as a team, we're all like brothers to be honest."
Richman netted the goal that gave Pearce's side a 2-1 lead early in the second half.
"Scoring that goal, it was a great feeling for myself. I've been working hard and to get that goal and get the team back where we needed to be it really raised our spirits. It was a proud moment for me and my family."
Elliott said: "We're all looking forward to playing at The Valley again, we got a little taste of it last weekend and it's really nice to play there."
"All the boys are up for it, you can see it in training," Richman added. "We all know it's going to be a tough challenge, but we all need to rise to the occasion.
Click here to purchase your tickets for Friday's PDL play-off final at The Valley.
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.
