Chatham Town have received an undisclosed fee for one of their academy players who is heading to the Championship.

Part of the deal that has seen Harvey Broad join Coventry City is an agreement to play in a friendly match and the Sky Blues are sending an under-21 side to the Bauvill Stadium this Tuesday night. Broad is set to feature in that match.

Full-back Broad, 18, has come through the youth ranks at Chatham and he made his senior debut for the club as a 16-year-old in January 2022.

He’s recently spent time out on loan with Larkfield & New Hythe and Lordswood in the SCEFL Premier Division before being recalled to the Chats.

He made 17 appearances for Kevin Hake’s side and last season helped them win the Velocity Cup and finish runners-up and play-off finalists in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Chatham Town said: “The club are proud to see another Chats player progress into the EFL and we are wishing Harvey all the best for his future.”

Broad will initially link up with Coventry’s development side.

The left-back was released by Charlton Athletic at the age of 14 and spoke to Chatham about his journey since then and his move to a Championship club.

“That was a tough time for me and I lost my drive for the game,” he said, reflecting on being released by the Addicks.

“I decided to join my local team and play with my mates. I enjoyed the season and continued playing at Chatham.”

He was a treble-winner at under-16 level for Chatham and scored in the Kent Cup final and was made captain in his second year at the club.

“That’s when I feel that I started to kick on a bit.” he said.

During his loan spell at Larkfield he made it to the SCEFL Division 1 play-offs before stepping up to play at Lordswood.

He excelled as a scholar at Chatham and said: “It has played a massive role in my development - I think it has helped me understand the game better.

“It is a proud moment for me and my family, it’s a great opportunity (to sign for Coventry). I’m going to work hard and can’t wait to get started.”