Using the power of sport and education to make a meaningful impact in the community

The University of Greenwich has extended its partnership with Charlton Athletic Football Club (CAFC) and Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), reaffirming a shared commitment to education, community, and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Spanning over a decade, the partnership has continued to grow. The university became the first-ever sponsor of Charlton’s women’s team and remains a visible presence on both the men’s and women’s kits.

Under the renewed agreement, the university will remain on the kit, as back of shirt sponsor, and continue to offer discounted tickets for students and staff, collaborate on research projects, and enhance student involvement through part-time roles, work experience, and guest speaker events.

A key highlight of the partnership has been the themed match days at The Valley. During the 2024/25 season, five themed fixtures including the Partnership Takeover Day; Red, White and Black Day; the Greener Game; Football v Homophobia, and Her Game Too – drew record attendances from students, staff, alumni and partners. These events not only celebrate our shared belief in the power of sport to drive social change but also reflect our shared values. Their impact has also been recognised externally; in 2023, the Football v Homophobia fixture was shortlisted for a HEIST Award for Best Community/Business Engagement Campaign or Initiative. Alongside this, the themed match days have also created incredible opportunities for students, including part-time employment, professional shadowing, features in promotional content and much more.

The partnership’s impact extends well beyond the pitch. Through initiatives like the Make it Make Sense (MiMS) project, which exists to support pre-16 school learners across Southeast London and Kent. In November, CACT visited Saint George’s School in Gravesend, delivering workshops designed to build confidence and help students prepare for life beyond school.

The University of Greenwich also proudly supports Charlton’s broader community work, including Charlton Invicta (the UK’s first LGBTQ+ team formally affiliated with a professional football club) and by sponsoring the annual CACT Awards.

Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Greenwich, said: “The University of Greenwich enjoys a great relationship with Charlton Athletic Football Club and Community Trust and we are proud of the work we do together both off and on the pitch.

“We have been working together for over 10 years and are privileged to both play key roles in our local community. We have a joint belief that sport and education together have the power to drive change.

“I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Gavin Carter, Chairman at CAFC, said: “We’re proud that the University of Greenwich is strengthening its partnership with the club. They’ve supported Charlton for many years, not just commercially, but strategically and have played a real role in helping us move forward.