CHARLTON'S launch of their United States Football Academy in Tuscon, Arizona, has drawn a rapid response with the club being overwhelmed with interest from American youngsters.

Following Monday's formal launch at The Valley, the item was broadcast across the United States by Fox Television and within hours Charlton were on the receiving end of hundreds of e-mails and faxes from youngsters wanting to enrol.

Peter Varney, Charlton's chief executive, said: "We are surprised and delighted with the response we have received from American youngsters and parents who wanted to know how to enrol their youngsters.

"Already we've had some terrific feedback which is going to make the exercise worthwhile."