25 years of the Football Foundation: How investment has helped Charlton Athletic Community Trust to grow

As the Football Foundation turns 25, we’re celebrating the impact that investment from the Premier League, The FA, and the Government has had on communities up and down the country since our creation in 2000.

As well as delivering funding directly into grassroots football clubs, we’ve also worked closely with the Community Foundations of professional clubs across the football pyramid, who use their brand and local expertise to deliver programmes right at the heart of communities.

The Foundation’s backing also allows the continuation of weekly Walking Football sessions, encouraging men aged 50 and over to stay active and connected through sport. In addition, CACT delivers football sessions for young people aged 2–18, including initiatives such as the Charlton Challenge, Player Development Centre, Advanced Centre, Wildcats, and Squad Girls, ensuring pathways for all abilities and genders. Recreational sessions for women aged 18 and over, further promotes physical activity and the Post-16 Academy programme, currently supporting over 150 male and female students, provides both education and football development opportunities.