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Steve Avory praises Valley Gold ahead of Academy Day

Ahead of the club’s Academy Day, CAFC’s George Jones spoke to Steve Avory about the Academy and Valley Gold.

Saturday’s clash against Blackpool at The Valley will see the club celebrate Valley Gold, as part of Academy Day.

Valley Gold was launched in 1989, with its original aim being to aid the club’s return to The Valley. When this was achieved in December 1992, its focus switched to helping Charlton’s academy to thrive, and ahead of tomorrow’s game, Academy Manager Steve Avory said of the significance of Valley Gold:

“They’ve done so much for the academy over the years with additional funding,” he said. “It’s provided facility and resource in support of what we do here with our young players.

“More recently, it’s been things like the funding of three minibuses. Importantly, in the last couple of seasons, they’ve assisted us with our teams going to tournaments. Whether it be in this country or abroad. Our U14s are going to Argentina; Buenos Aires, Rosario for a tournament. What a fantastic opportunity for our young players at 14 to go to Argentina. This is all made possible by Valley Gold.”

Since Avory’s introduction to the role, over 40 players have gone on to make first team appearances for the Addicks’ first team having graduated from the academy. He believes that the success can continue with the help of the fans.

He said: “They’ve been so supportive of us. It’s a fans organisation and fans want to do so much. Proof again here with Valley Gold, there’s so much support for our young players.

Avory went on to open up about the pride he feels when watching an academy graduate play for the first team.

He said: “I think it gives fans a sense of pride too, not just those who have worked with them. Watching a home-grown player, someone who has been on the journey the whole way through, it does give me pride because I have always been a believer in the long-term development of players.”

For an annual subscription of £120, members of Valley Gold are entered into cash draws at every home league match, as well as receiving many other benefits. To learn more about the scheme or to become a Valley Gold member, please click here.