Roman Douglas-Boast - Advanced Centre
“He came home buzzing and said how much he enjoyed it”
Eight-year-old Roman Douglas-Boast has been given an opportunity with Charlton Athletic’s famed Academy after impressing Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) coaches on its Advanced Centre football programme.
CACT’s Advanced Centre is a specialised Charlton Athletic Academy-designed curriculum focusing on technical abilities in players aged U5-U13.
Prior to attending CACT’s Advanced Centre, Roman was anxious about playing in a new environment.
“To start with he was a bit nervous about going and meeting new kids and coaches,” Roman’s father Anthony explained.
However, Roman quickly settled in and began to impress CACT coaches during the 6-week programme.
“After his first session in the Advanced Centre he came home buzzing and said how much he enjoyed it.”
Bradley Marshall, CACT’s Senior Football & Sports Development Officer, believed Roman showed the talent to make it into Charlton’s elite academy.
Bradley said:
“Roman instantly made a great impression on us when he came in to the Advanced Centre and developed very quickly. As a result of this we put him forward to go into the Elite U8s pre-academy.”
As Advanced Centre sessions came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Roman continued practicing at home, and received positive news as restrictions began to ease.
Roman’s father said:
“Roman got some good news towards the end of lockdown and was told he would be trialled in the elite academy. He was naturally excited and proud of himself because all the hard work he had put in had meant it was recognised by the coaches.
“He has gone on leaps and bounds since joining up with the elite academy, enjoying every training session and playing matches. He loves being a part of Charlton Athletic Football Club.”
Anthony McCluskey, Roman’s coach in the elite academy, said:
“Roman impressed us coaches when he came in for his first session. His attitude, confidence, technical abilities and his understanding of the game.
“We were excited to get him in and relieved he finally got his chance. He’s got better and better as the weeks have gone on and it shows with excellent individual performances vs Portsmouth and West Brom. Because of this, it’s why we offered him an Academy contract as we see a very bright future for Roman here with us at Charlton Athletic.”
Players can be selected for the Advanced Centre after attending one of CACT’s Football & Sports Development programmes.
Those who impress CACT coaches are given the chance to trial with Charlton’s academy, such as Roman.