Two months back I decided that it would be nice to do something different and unique for my 40th Birthday in March, so when the opportunity came to bid for the Lunch at the training ground, then it had to be something that I did not want to miss out on and at the some time raise some funds for the Academy.
Well it’s fair to say that was money well spent as myself, my dad, and 2 younger brothers had a fantastic time at the training ground today and was made so welcome by all the staff and players at the training ground. They are a credit to the football club.
We arrived at 11, and were taken around different parts of the training ground by Keith Peacock, watching the first team and under 21’s train for the good part of two hours, while Keith was answering all of our questions and coming out with some fantastic stories from his time at the football club, and managerial spells at Gillingham and Maidstone.
We had a nice chats with Andy Hughes and Mark Gower after training, but it was great to all have a long chat (Ten minutes or so) with the Gaffer. The bloke came across so well and were chatting about many topics from other teams budgets to the game at Dagenham 2 years ago.
We had lunch in the clubhouse, and the players were kind enough to sign some bits and bobs. Paul Hart came over and could not thank the people on Charlton Life and Bromley Addicks enough for all the money raised for the 2 mini buses and the 7 seater Renault Megane purchased recently. I did mention to Paul that I’m sure this will not be the end of the money being raised . Bob McNab went through on what the vehicles are used for and we met one young lad who uses the vehicles to get from School to the training ground.
To anyone thinking of doing a day like this, then you will not regret it and you will take away some great memories.
0
Comments
Sounds like you've thrown down another challenge to Henry to raise some more dosh for the back end of those mini buses!
Glad it went so well. Not surprised that you were so well looked after as have heard the same from others.
Makes me proud of my club that fans can do these sorts of things and be treated so well.
Really pleased to hear the money you and others raised went to a 7 seater Renault Magane and it's helping our youngsters get to and from training.
I will definitely be asking Steve Bradshaw for more of the same next season be it for the Academy or some other good cause.
Any pics.
http://forum.charltonlife.com/discussion/54374/for-sale-2-places-at-dale-stephens-table-sponsors-evening-plus-danny-hollands-shirt#latest
'With a mere ninety break-horse-power available, progress is too leisurely to be called fast, but on the motorway in fifth gear the Megane’s slow pace really becomes a pain. Uphill runs become power-sappingly mundane, while overtaking National Express coaches can become a long, drawn-out affair.' Not my words,............ the words of Top Gear magazine. "
Yann and Jonathan Obika certainly had there shooting boots on yesterday. I don't think they missed the target during training once. Regarding Johnathan Obika we were informed by Keith Peacock how much of good lad he is, always smiling and been a real breath of fresh air around the training ground and how everyone was over the moon for him after his goal on saturday. From what I saw of training he looked very sharp.
Highly recommend this day out to anyone if Ben can arrange with the club again in the future.
I'll ask for more such lunches and the away directors box packages but of course we can't do it everyweek.
Watch this space.
Hope ur remember It for a Long while
Would love to do It
Keep them coming henry
Well done everyone keep the Cash flowing in.
Bet u dont hear the lads being picked up in It
Complaining!
That training ground visit does sound crack ker lightening as they say in the Madagascar movies, would prefer that anytime over a stuffing , 'day in the sun ' at Wembley tomorrow.
Did you get a chance to join in with training, Dan? ;o)
Anyone spot the new lad Rouamba - how is he getting on?
Calling Shirty, calling Shirty ........did you get a chance to see or chat to Rouamba?
I'd love to know how he's settling in.