Dean Jarman (CAFC Head of Academy Player Care) has asked us for help in recruiting local families who could provide a welcoming and supportive home environment for young players (aged 16-18).

The household must have an available private bedroom and be located within 20 minutes' travelling time (by public transport) from Sparrows Lane, Eltham SE9 2JR.

Dean's full message:

"Charlton Athletic are calling on supportive local families to become a vital part of the Club’s journey by opening their homes to our Academy players for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

As our next generation of young talent continue their development at Charlton Athletic, we’re looking for host families to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive home environment for players aged 16 to 18.

Whether you can offer a long-term stay or support on a shorter-term basis, we’d love to hear from you. Host families play a crucial role in helping young players transition into life off the pitch, providing stability and care as they focus on their football development and pursue their ambitions.

There are a number of important safeguarding and welfare requirements in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all players, and full guidance and ongoing support will be provided by the Club throughout the hosting process.

If you have the space, warmth and commitment to support our young talent, we’d love for you to become part of the Charlton Athletic family.

Accommodation requirements vary from short-term (one-night stays) to long-term (5-7 nights per week). We are looking for families willing to provide either or both types of placements. Each player must be provided with a private room. Additionally, host households must be non-smoking.

Requirements and Responsibilities

• Provide a homely and welcoming environment for our young players.
• Support players by encouraging basic independent living skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
• Offer nutritious meals in accordance with the Academy’s dietary guidelines.
• Report any welfare concerns to the Academy Safeguarding and Head of Academy Player Care team via My Concern.
• Include players in family life as much as they feel comfortable.
• Allow the club to conduct inspections of the property.
• Adhere to the club’s guidelines and expectations for host families, players, and parents.
• As part of the recruitment process, Charlton Athletic will conduct house visits to assess the suitability of homes and ensure they meet the necessary hosting requirements.

Safeguarding

Charlton Athletic Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk with the expectation that all staff and volunteers share this commitment. Charlton Athletic Football Club staff recognise their duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm, allows children and young people to have a voice and is proactive in the implementation of welfare processes.

All potential host families will be subject to:

• Satisfactory reference checks
• Enhanced DBS checks
• Mandatory safeguarding training

Additionally, households must provide proof of gas servicing and comply with other health and safety regulations."

If you are interested and think you might satisfy the criteria, please contact Dean Jarman directly by emailing dean.jarman@cafc.co.uk.