Charlie Oatway

Charlie Oatway was born in 1973 and grew up in the Shepherd's Bush area of west London. He left school at the age of 13 and became a footballer, first with Wimbledon, then non-league Yeading, before getting his first professional contract with Cardiff City. After being sent to prison for GBH, he played for Torquay and Brentford before joining Brighton and Hove Albion in 1999, captaining them and winning two championships and three promotions.

After injury ended his career, Charlie worked for Albion in the Community (AITC) as a manager of community relations and a leader of their award-winning adult learning initiatives. He is now the club's first-team coach.

www.albioninthecommunity.org.uk