Charlton Athletic Launches International Football Programme with Mark Fish Foundation Partnership in South Africa

Image by CAFC

Charlton Athletic have signed a strategic partnership with the Mark Fish Foundation, becoming the first partnership to close under the club's newly-launched International Football Programme. The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony held at The Barrel Room in South Africa.

The partnership was signed by Alan Curbishley, the legendary former Charlton manager, and Mark Fish - ex-Charlton player, South Africa international, and founder of the Mark Fish Foundation. Representatives from both organisations attended the event.

Under the agreement, the two parties will jointly deliver structured football programmes for youth in selected South African communities. The collaboration centres on sharing coaching expertise, development philosophy, and football education frameworks, with the dual aim of creating pathways for emerging players and supporting broader personal and social development.

South Africa has been identified as one of Charlton's primary pilot markets under its international strategy, which targets expanded global scouting, overseas community engagement, and commercial opportunities beyond the club's traditional footprint.

"This is an important moment for the club as we begin delivering our International Football Programme and building meaningful partnerships around the world. Mark has a strong connection to Charlton and an outstanding reputation for supporting young people through football in South Africa. We are proud that this is the first partnership under our new strategy."

- Steve Brown, Head of Youth Partnerships, Charlton Athletic

"It is a proud moment for me to reconnect with Charlton Athletic in this way. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Working with the club allows us to enhance the reach and quality of our football programmes and continue using the game as a platform to empower young people and support communities across South Africa."

- Mark Fish, Founder, Mark Fish Foundation

European clubs have been increasingly active across the continent. Borussia Dortmund recently expanded into West Africa with the launch of an academy in Ghana, while Sevilla FC signed a partnership agreement with Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC. The signing coincided with an ongoing Charlton visit to South Africa, during which club staff and representatives from the Charlton Athletic Community Trust delivered football development activity in KwaZulu-Natal, following a week of engagement in Pretoria, Gauteng. The club has indicated plans to establish further pilot programmes and long-term international partnerships beyond South Africa.