In a small town in Uganda thousands of miles from SE7, a young man named Wogoli Willington, 19, has become one of Charlton Athletic’s most passionate supporters.
His journey isn’t just about football—it’s about heart, resilience, and the power of connection. Since 2019, Willington has followed the Addicks with unwavering loyalty, proving that Charlton’s spirit reaches far beyond South London.
Willington’s love for Charlton began not with a match or a television series, but with a newspaper. His father, an avid reader, kept stacks of papers around the house. Willington and his brothers would dive into the sports pages, soaking up stories of footballers and fixtures.
“There was always a place where Dad kept the newspapers he’d already read,” Willington recalls. “My brothers would pick them up to read the sports section, and I started doing the same. That’s where I first came across Charlton—but I don’t remember the headline. I just knew I liked the name.”
Even though he didn’t understand the structure of English football leagues at the time, his heart had already chosen its team.
“I didn’t know how leagues worked, but I didn’t mind. I was already devoted.”
Staying Connected, Against the Odds - In Uganda, access to football news (especially about lower-league English clubs) is limited. Willington’s early efforts to stay updated were challenging. He borrowed his brother’s button phone to browse the internet, but most coverage focused on Premier League giants.
“It was hard to deal with,” he says. “I had no good resources, and newspapers mostly wrote about elite teams and local sports. But I kept the spirit.”
But everything changed in 2023 when he got his first smartphone. Though it took time to learn how to use it, the device opened up a new world.
“I didn’t know how to operate it well at first,” he laughs. “But once I learned, I started browsing Google and following Charlton on Facebook, X, and Instagram. That’s how I caught up with fellow Addicks worldwide.”
Watching Charlton matches remains one of the biggest challenges. Local TV stations rarely broadcast League One games, and DSTV—one of the few providers that covers all leagues—is expensive.
“Most TV stations only show Premier League matches,” Willington explains. “DSTV has all the leagues, but subscribing is expensive. So I watch highlights on TikTok and YouTube.”
He even tried using the Charlton app, but the Charlton TV pass requirement was a hurdle.
“I tried the app, but it needed a pass I didn’t have. Still, I never gave up. Hopefully now the Addicks are in a higher league, I can watch more games on tv here in my town! That would be amazing!
Kitted out with Kindness - In 2024, Willington made a heartfelt post in a Charlton Facebook group, asking if anyone could help him get a shirt. One generous fan responded, offering to send him three kits.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “He asked for my postal address and size, and then sent me three shirts: the 2023/24 home kit, the 2020/21 away kit, and the 2019/20 home kit. It meant so much to me.”
For Willington, these shirts weren’t just gifts—they were symbols of belonging.
“Seeing me in a Charlton jersey proved to my friends that I’m really devoted. It even influenced one of them to start asking about the club.”
One of Willington’s proudest moments came when he learned that fellow Charlton academy graduate Nathan Asiimwe represented Uganda, and had been called up to the national side.
“I was so happy to hear there’s a fellow Ugandan in Charlton,” he says. “Nathan became my favourite player instantly. I’d love to see him play more.”
Today, Willington’s current favourite is Tyreece Campbell.
“I stand with Campbell as my favourite right now,” he adds. “He’s got great energy and potential.”
Through supporting the Addicks more and more, Willington has tried to immerse himself in Charlton’s rich history, learning about the club’s iconic moments as best he can.
“I know about the FA Cup final against Burnley, the 1998/99 promotion to the elite league, and the club’s 120th anniversary—which happened on my birthday in June. That felt special.”
He’s still learning more every day.
“There’s so much to discover. I’m always reading and asking questions. Charlton’s history is amazing.”
A Local Ambassador -In his community, Charlton fans are of course rare. But Willington wears his shirt with pride, sparking conversations and curiosity.
“There’s no one I’ve met here who supports Charlton,” he says. “But I act as a perfect example to my teammates and friends. I show them that it’s not just about elite teams—there are other clubs worth supporting.”
Whenever sports debates arise, Willington makes sure Charlton is part of the conversation.
“Every time people start talking about football, I bring up Charlton. That’s how I spread awareness.”
But Willington’s eyes are set on the future! As for Charlton’s prospects this season, Willington is optimistic.
“I’m so positive,” he says. “I think the lowest Charlton will get is top 10, but I’d love to believe we’ll get promoted. Football is full of unbelievable and breathtaking moments.”
He’s also open to connecting with other fans, whether they’re in Uganda, elsewhere in Africa or halfway across the world!
“I’m always wanting to interact with every fan who contacts me,” he says. “We can interact and share our love for Charlton. I would love to find out if there are any more Charlton fans here in Uganda – that would be amazing, but maybe there are some in Africa? Talking to many fans as much as possible would be fantastic.”
“ I’m currently studying in my local college, in my last year – I hope to be able to continue to learn more about Charlton and keep up to date with the scores. Ideally I can get a good job and earn some good money, I want to see my parents be happy and comfortable. Hopefully see the Addicks in the Premier League too!”
Willington’s story is a testament to the global reach of football and the deep emotional ties it can forge. From a newspaper in Uganda to the digital stands of social media, he’s shown what it means to be an Addick.
“Supporting Charlton has been a great journey,” he says. “I take it as an achievement. I’m proud to be part of this family.”
And one day, when he finally walks down Floyd Road, and into The Valley, it won’t just be a visit—it’ll be a homecoming.
Fans can reach out to Willington:
Instagram - wogolovic
Email - wogoliwilling@gmail.com