The London Borough of Bexley, Charlton Athletic Football Club (CAFC) and Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) have formalised their long-standing partnership through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving opportunities and outcomes for residents across the Borough.

The agreement was formally signed on Saturday 7 November 2026 during half-time of the Charlton Athletic v Sheffield United fixture at The Valley, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Bexley Council, Charlton Athletic Football Club and Charlton Athletic Community Trust. The agreement builds on many years of successful collaboration and sets out a shared commitment to creating safer, healthier and more prosperous communities through sport, physical activity and community engagement.

The partnership will help support the Council's ambitions by tackling a range of local challenges and opportunities, including reducing anti-social behaviour, improving health and wellbeing, increasing school attendance, supporting young people into education, employment and training and building stronger, more connected communities.

Through its extensive community programmes, CACT already works with thousands of residents across south-east London, delivering initiatives that support children and young people, families, schools and vulnerable groups. The new agreement will strengthen opportunities to work together across key priorities and widen the impact of existing programmes in Bexley.

The partnership will be overseen by a Bexley and Charlton Steering Group bringing together representatives from key organisations and sectors. The group will ensure activity remains aligned with the priorities of the Partnership for Bexley, promote collaboration, share best practice and help identify future opportunities and funding to support long-term sustainability.

The partnership is focused on delivering tangible benefits for residents, including:

• Supporting safer communities by reducing anti-social behaviour and youth crime.
• Improving health and wellbeing through increased participation in sport and physical activity.
• Raising educational attainment and school attendance.
• Supporting children and young people to achieve their potential.
• Helping young people move into employment, training and further education.
• Strengthening community cohesion and encouraging people from all backgrounds to participate in local activities.

Councillor David Leaf, Leader of Bexley Council, said:

This agreement reflects our shared commitment to improving the lives of Bexley residents and helping to continue to make it a great place to live, work and raise a family. We have a longstanding and successful relationship with the Charlton Athletic Community Trust and the impressive work they do in our community has changed the lives of residents and young people. I have seen firsthand the enjoyment they bring when getting people active and the encouragement, support and safe places they provide to help young people in need of some encouragement, mentoring and support.

By working even more closely with CAFC and CACT, we can build on existing successes and create more opportunities for local people to be active, healthy and connected to their communities."

Ben Mansford, Charlton's Chief Executive Officer, said:

Working closely with Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Bexley Council is central to our commitment to making a positive and lasting difference across the communities we serve. Through our Schools Partnership Scheme, we engage with more than 30 primary schools across Bexley, providing young people with opportunities to attend matches, meet players and raise valuable funds for their schools. We are also incredibly proud of the impact Charlton Athletic Community Trust delivers every day. As a club, we look forward to continuing to support its work alongside Bexley Council, helping to create opportunities, inspire young people and improve lives across the Borough."

Jason Morgan, CEO, Charlton Athletic Community Trust, said

I have had the privilege of working alongside Bexley Council for more than 34 years, and I have seen first-hand the positive impact that strong partnerships can have on local communities. Our relationship dates back to 1993 when the Council jointly funded our very first Community Officer, laying the foundations for a collaboration that has continued to grow and evolve over three decades.

This agreement reflects our shared commitment to improving the lives of people across the borough. It captures not only our strategic ambitions but also our collective determination to create stronger, healthier and more connected communities. At Charlton Athletic Community Trust, we are proud of the long-standing partnership we have built with Bexley Council. By working together, combining our expertise and aligning our goals, we can make an even greater difference for local people. We look forward to continuing this journey together in the years ahead."

The Memorandum of Understanding provides a framework for future partnership working while ensuring programmes remain responsive to the needs of local communities and continue to deliver high-quality outcomes for residents across Bexley.