Several football clubs' early photographs show team groups seemingly of schoolboys. In Charlton's case the club was formed in 1905 with an average age close to 15, playing in fields on the South side of the Thames. Their first colours were red shirts.

In 1919 the Club moved to a new ground named the Valley which was formed with high banks for spectators from the workings of a disused chalk quarry. But with gates falling there was talk of amalgamating with Catford Southend and as a consequence, in 1923, Charlton left the Valley and moved to their ground and adopted Catford Southend's colours of dark and light blue stripes. After one season it was evident that this was not the way forward and in 1924 Charlton returned to the Valley and reverted to their red shirts.

The 1947 FA Cup Final saw use of an alternative strip with a distinctive red plaque since when they have used a number of different designs all based on red.

Research was carried out in conjunction with the Club.

This print is official merchandise of Charlton Athletic and can only be obtained from the Club. If you experience any difficulty please contact us.