Tyreece Campbell, who spent his Saturdays as a ball boy at The Valley, could only dream of one day playing for Charlton Athletic’s first team. A decade later, that goal has become a reality—and then some.

The Southwark-born winger is not only making his mark at club level, but he has also starting to make waves on the international scene with Jamaica, and it has been a deeply personal journey. “I was a ball boy when I was younger, and I always wanted to be like the older players that were in the first team,” he recalls.

“Every gamer treats everyone the same. It’s like a family; you feel at ease here, and you can be yourself, which helps everyone perform to their full potential.” Campbell, 22, is emerging as one of the EFL’s most promising young talents.

Last season, he played a key role in Charlton’s dramatic promotion to the Sky Bet Championship, something few expected at the start of the season.

Charlton’s resurgence began with the appointment of manager Nathan Jones in February 2024.

The Welshman made the daring decision to drop down two divisions to take charge of a team that had been languishing in the third tier for over four years, demonstrating the Addicks’ stature and potential. Jones provided energy, intensity, and vision.

He assembled a team that balanced experience and youth, with academy graduate Campbell rapidly becoming a key player. In 2024/25, he made 53 appearances in all competitions, the second most of any player at the Club.

And the winger thanks his management for removing the shackles and giving him a lot more flexibility with his playing.

“The manager [Nathan Jones] has been quite helpful in allowing me to play my game freely. “Having a manager who trusts you allows me to play to my full potential,” he says.

Due to squad injuries, Jones initially used a 3-5-2 formation, with Campbell playing as one of two attackers, which was new to him. Despite being a natural wide player, he accepted the challenge, and the experience has only aided his progress since then.

He continues, “It’s great to be able to play so many positions. I’d never really played as a striker before, so last season was a huge help in understanding how to play there.

“It’s now another position that I can play, so it’s good for the future as well.”