Skip to content

Academy Notes: Charlie Barker

Charlton Athletic U18s defender Charlie Barker spoke to Valley Gold for Academy Notes after the recent 6-0 win over Coventry City.

The central defender who joined the schoolboy program as a 14-year-old from the Sunday league and at the start of this season started the full-time program as a Scholar (U18s) said:

“My aim for this season is to try and play as many games as possible for the U18s and to try and play a game for the U23s.”

“In our most recent game against Coventry City, we won 6-0 to go top of the U18 Professional Development League. It was an outstanding team performance especially in the first half where we found ourselves 5-0 up at half-time.”

“The boys worked exceptionally hard to keep creating chances in a relentless team display. An own goal sent us on our way after 17 minutes. Luca Albon then converted a penalty, before Richard Afrane-Kesey added a third. Dylan Gavin put in a great shift on his full debut and topped it off with a great headed goal to make it four before Luca concerted his second penalty again sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Aaron Henry rounded off the scoring placing an outstanding free-kick into the top corner late in the second half.”

“As a central defender, I am happy to have kept a clean sheet with a solid defensive display personally and within the defensive unit. So far this season we have played 12 league games and we are currently unbeaten, winning seven (7) & drawing five (5).”

Valley Gold enables supporters to play a pivotal role in the future of Charlton Athletic by helping the club to unearth talented footballers through its youth system. Valley Gold is entirely supporter-funded, with membership costing £120 per year. As a member of Valley Gold, you will also have the opportunity to scoop up to £5,000 in regular cash prizes. To learn more about the scheme or to become a Valley Gold member, please click here.