Adedolapo Gafar: 13 Years Old – Scouted by Charlton Athletic

Adedolapo Gafar: 13 Years Old – Scouted by Charlton Athletic
At just 13 years old, Adedolapo Gafar’s story shows how quickly passion and determination can translate into opportunities at professional clubs. In only three years since first picking up a football, his progress has been remarkable. His journey to being scouted by Charlton Athletic is a reminder that with hard work, belief, and the right platform, players can put themselves in front of the right people and take the next step. 

 

Adedolapo’s football story is still young, but in those few years he has thrown himself into the game with complete dedication. Starting later than many who come through academy systems, he had to catch up quickly. That challenge never discouraged him; instead, it became his motivation. Every training session, every match, and every chance to improve was taken seriously. From the beginning, he knew that talent alone wouldn’t be enough — it would take relentless practice and discipline to compete with players who had been in the system much longer. 

 

That drive led him to attend a UK Football Trials event, where his energy and ability to play across both wings caught the eye of Charlton Athletic scouts. For Adedolapo, it was proof that the hours of effort he had already put in were starting to pay off. “The matches at the end were great for being able to showcase my skills,” he reflected, acknowledging how the trial gave him the platform he needed to stand out. 

 

The experience of playing under the watchful eyes of professional scouts was both challenging and rewarding. The technical drills demanded sharp concentration, while the matches gave him a chance to show his direct running, advanced shooting techniques, and his willingness to keep working hard for his teammates. It was in those high-pressure moments that his composure shone through — a key quality scouts look for in young players. 

 

When UK Football Trials confirmed that Charlton had shown interest, Adedolapo was overjoyed. “I’m still waiting for my trial,” he said, “but I’m very excited.” That anticipation is not just about the opportunity to train with a professional academy but also about the chance to test himself at the highest level he’s ever experienced. Knowing that a club like Charlton Athletic values his potential is a huge confidence boost and fuels his determination to keep improving. 

 

The lessons he learned from the UK Football Trials event have stayed with him. “I learned more advanced shooting techniques,” he explained, highlighting the technical details that have already helped his development. But it wasn’t just about technique; the structure and professionalism of the event showed him what life in an academy setting could feel like — the tempo, the expectations, and the competitive environment. It was a taste of the future he is working towards. 

 

One of the most important parts of Adedolapo’s journey so far has been exposure. Coming across the UK Football Trials on social media, he knew it was the kind of environment where he could get noticed. The fact that he has already secured the attention of a major London club proves just how valuable that decision was. 

 

Would he recommend the experience to other players? There’s no hesitation. “100%! It was so great,” he said. His words reflect both the opportunity it created and the confidence it gave him moving forward. 

 

Now, as he waits for his Charlton trial to begin, Adedolapo remains focused on continuing his improvement. His story may still be in its early chapters, but the determination he has shown already suggests that there are many more exciting pages yet to be written. 

 

What Pro Clubs & Scouts Say About UK Football Trials

What Parents & Players Say About UK Football Trials

UK Football Trials is a FEEFO Platinum Rated & Trusted Merchant Since 2015 - Reviewed at 4.9 / 5* from over 1,000 reviews.

UK Football Trials is the largest and most successful football trials company in the world. We became the world’s first football trials company confident enough to use an independent feedback review system too! It allows the players and parents who attend to tell the world what they think!

Our Rating: 4.9 / 5 * Excellent
Feefo logo