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Charlie Wakefield was at Chelsea academy for eight years before leaving The Blues. Since then, his career has seen him play for Coventry, Bromley and Woking to name a few. Now, at the age of 27, he is without a club and is a regular on Sky Sports’ ‘Baller League.’ We sat down to chat with him on his career so far.
The world-famous Cobham academy has produced a host of elite players, with many playing a pivotal role in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph. While obviously talent is a key component of making it through the academy system, luck and opportunity also plays a significant part. Wakefield, for all the talent he has, never played as many professional games as he perhaps should have, with injuries hampering a promising career.
Wakefield is not alone in being released from an academy. It happens to youngsters up and down the country, documented in 'No Hunger In Paradise'.
Despite this, he remains buoyant, displaying an extra positive outlook on life. When asked how he remains so amiable and positive, Wakefield says it’s imperative to overcoming hurdles.
“It takes a lot of mental strength to have the injuries that I had and to come out the other side. I think is has shaped who I am today. Injuries are never nice, but I look for the positives because without the injuries I wouldn’t be as resilient as I am today.
“I won’t sugar-coat it; it is so difficult as a player as it feels out of control – you watch your teammates train on the pitch while you’re on your own doing exercises you don’t want to do- it can be extremely mentally taxing.”
The 27-year-old offered advice to those going through a similar predicament, hammering home the importance of being mentally strong.
“I always say to others to try and stay positive, and to do things that help you and your mindset off the pitch as the more negative thoughts you have during the injury phase the more negative you become.
“It can play a massive part if you do the positive things that help you stay in the right mindset.”
It’s not just injuries that Wakefield has had to bounce back from. He was released by Chelsea in 2019 after failing to make a first team appearance for the Blues, eventually signing a short-term contract with Coventry.
He made nine appearances for The Sky Blues, with one particular game producing the most memorable moment of his career.
“When we played Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, we won 5-4 and I set up the winning goal. I think that was probably the best moment in my career in terms of it being such a huge game. There were 35,000 people there and it was such a surreal experience.”
The transition from academy football to men’s football at a lower level is a prospect that many do find daunting – a sentiment he agrees with.
“It is a big transition. I’d say being at Chelsea from the age of 12 you are in a bubble and then hit men’s football and it’s completely different. You leave that bubble of having the best coaches, food and analysis and then you join another team, and it can be an eye opener.
“Coventry is still a fantastic club, and they were great for me, the big difference for me was going to the National League. The facilities and pitches are obviously different to what you’re used to, and it can go two ways for players. You either let it get to you and go downhill, or you can take it in your stride and deal with the new environment you’re in.”
To those on the outside, playing with players from one of the world’s best academies to then playing in non-league might come as culture shock, but according to Wakefield, there is a lot of talent playing in non-League.
“You are seeing the talent thankfully get more exposure now. You look at [Ephron] Mason-Clark who played for Barnet and is now tearing it up for Coventry. I think he is a good example of how good the players can be in non-League.”
Wakefield’s last game of senior football came in the 2023/2024 playoff final, scoring a stunning goal to put Braintree 2-3 up against Worthing – the town he was born in. Iron went onto win the game 3-4, with the winger etching his name in Braintree history. It can be difficult for a player to motivate themselves while on loan, especially at a lower level than they are used to, but some relish the chance for game time.
“For me, I was in a situation I needed game time. I didn’t care where it was, I just needed to play and luckily I ended up at Braintree. It can be tough as some players don’t want to drop down and play at a lower level, but it was a case of playing football and seeing what happened.
“We managed to get promoted out of the National League South, so it definitely worked out. I do think it’s difficult when players want to play at the club, they’re at, but sometimes whether its injuries or a new manager coming you just have to bite the bullet and go and play and make it work no matter what.”
A season has been and gone since the playoff final heroics. Braintree have established themselves in the National League, while Wakefield has been without a club since. Injuries have hampered what promised to be a brilliant career and despite the mental strength shown in his career, he is unsure whether a return to football is what he wants.
“I think for me it was always a case of when that last game against Worthing happened, I went into the off-season thinking I’ll see what comes up and if the right opportunity arises, I’ll go with it. If not, I’m not going to force anything.
“For the first time in my career I was content sitting and waiting. Nothing really came that I wanted to pursue. There were a couple of negotiations that could’ve happened but didn’t and that is what made the decision easy for me.”
A big issue for footballers, particularly those who were in an academy, is a lack of a ‘plan B’. Many put all their hopes and aspiration in a career of football, but the harsh reality so many will not make it.
Wakefield has found passion in running, helping to keep him fit and active, while causing less physical strain on his body. This hobby, alongside other interests means he is in no rush to return to football.
“I think for now I am just going to pursue a couple of other things that I currently have going on which I am really enjoying. I focused on them for the year and before I knew it the season was done.
“I’m certainly not missing it [football] enough to jump back in right now”
As a fan on the sideline, we are constantly in the dark over the ongoings on or off the pitch, often questioning why a certain player isn’t playing – something that Wakefield admits is ‘part of the politics of football.’
“Obviously when you’re playing on the pitch and having a good game and your team win, that is something I do miss, but unfortunately with football there is a lot of politics that people from the outside miss.
“Football is a ruthless business, and I didn’t love it enough to put up with some of the politics that happened.”
Despite his 11-a-side career seemingly at a crossroad, the 27-year-old has not given up on football all together. The 27-year-old was a regular for ‘Ballers League’ side N5 FC, playing live on Sky Sports every Monday night. Ballers League came in for criticism from many, but Wakefield speaks positively on his experiences.
“I think the difference with ballers league is that there hasn’t been as much politics. It’s allowed me and others to enjoy playing our football with a competitive edge without worrying about outside noise.
“Most footballers love playing 6-a-side and would play it in the off-season, so this is no different just with more competitiveness. Obviously, my side struggled but it was a learning curve and an experience I have really enjoyed.”
Baller League has been a roaring success, drawing over 100,000 viewers per week. It’s a fast-paced, 30-minute game, showcasing some of the best talent non-league has to offer, as well as ex professionals. A major gripe has been the participation of players such as Michael Hector and Adrian Mariappa who were embroiled in a relegation zone with their club but turn out on the Monday evening in Ballers League. Wakefield can understand fans frustration but also thinks it’s something we will see more of.
“It’s really difficult as it’s such a good opportunity for players, you’re live on Sky, Youtube Etc. and there is a lot of big names behind it and attention on you – it is difficult to turn down.
“Players definitely do have to weigh it up. I’m fortunate enough to not have had a club this year to worry about but there are players at National League level or below who have had issues with their club.”
He went on to say: “I think as the seasons go on it will be easier to handle, I’m sure, it almost came out of nowhere for managers at non-league level, but as it becomes more established, I think contracts will be put in place for players to do both”
While it is unlikely we will see his dazzling dribbling return to senior men’s football, you can still watch Wakefield in the Ballers League once the season resumes. Alternatively, you can find him at ‘theonepercentrunclub’ if you have an interest in running!
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