Centre of Excellence - Introduction

I came to Charlton at the age of 12 and now I'm 20 I have made it into the first-team and the England squad. Charlton gave me all the back-up and support I needed to help me succeed. - Sarah Snare

Charlton Athletic Football Club is committed to the development of the women's and girls' game and believes in developing players from a young age.

This approach has seen young players such as Ann-Marie Heatherson and Sarah Snare make it through the Charlton ranks to first team and the full England side, while Jodian Clarke, Kimberley Dixson, Jade Steadman, and Sarah Williams represent the national team at junior level.

Other centre of excellence graduates, including Leanne Reidy, have become regular National Division Premier League players.

It is tough to make it at these levels and those who don't quite make it at Charlton will often go on to play at a good level at another club.

We offer a programme of development, which places importance on aspects of the game such as nutrition, game preparation and other skills, which can be transferred into everyday life skills.

When I was twelve I had the chance to go to other centres of excellence, but I chose Charlton because they looked after me both on and off the pitch, I have now played for my country and the National Premier League - Ann Heatherson

We provide excellent facilities and excellent coaching staff to give every player the best chance of making at the highest level - the rest is up to them.

All staff are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau and are fully UEFA qualified. The club operates a comprehensive child protection policy in addition to player, parent, and staff codes of conduct.