From Chelsea Academy Prospect to Collagen Pioneer: The Onepercent Story
When Charlie Wakefield left school at the end of Year 9 to pursue full-time football, he assumed his future was set in stone.
“Like most players, I thought I’d play into my mid 30s and retire,” he admitted.
Indeed, that path looked a real possibility. As a highly regarded prospect in Chelsea’s world-famous Cobham academy, Wakefield was on course for a bright tenure in the game.
He earned caps for England at youth level, playing alongside multi-million-pound talent like Mason Mount and Reece James.
But by 27, he found himself without a club after sliding down the English football pyramid.
His ability was never in question, but like so many young stars, injuries took their toll and ultimately blunted his development.
Wakefield was last contracted to Woking in 2024, and recently appeared in the influencer-backed Baller League.
Dropping out of the game can be a bitter pill to swallow, but Wakefield hasn’t let it consume him.
Instead, the former Premier League starlet has been quietly working on a project for the last two years that he’s now ready to reveal to the world.
Inspired by his own injury nightmares, Wakefield has launched the ‘first-ever’ vegan Type 2 collagen under his new supplement brand, Onepercent.
Here’s what you need to know.
Introducing Onepercent Supplements
“Onepercent is a supplement brand,” Wakefield explained on social media. “I’ve created the first ever formula for a vegan alternative collagen, which is really powerful because it’s never been done before.”
Wakefield says he plans to launch more products down the line, but choosing collagen for Onepercent’s debut felt poignant.
“It relates to my story,” he added. “Collagen has almost done a full circle on me. I was 18, having some problems with my hamstring and the physio at Chelsea actually recommended I take collagen.
“To think now that’s where it all began, and that’s what I’m doing, it’s crazy really.”
Onepercent’s hero ingredient is VeCollal® — a patented plant-based collagen alternative that boasts an identical amino acid profile to human collagen types, combined with gene-stimulating inductors.
Type 2 collagen, in particular, primarily supports joint and cartilage health, making it the smarter pick for athletes looking to shield against injuries.
Onepercent’s water-based formula arrives in a Tropical Boost flavour, featuring mango purée, passionfruit concentrate, and agave nectar syrup in the sweetening system.
The sachets are designed to be consumed on the go, similar to an energy gel.
Where Can You Buy Onepercent?
Onepercent’s trailblazing collagen blend is available via the official webstore. Two size options are on offer:
- Box of 14, priced at £39.99
- Box of 28, priced at £69.99
The brand launched on Wednesday, 1st October, and is kicking things off with a community run event in collaboration with Brighton’s One City on Saturday, 5th October.
SEE ALSO: Everything You Need To Know About Charlie Wakefield From Baller League UK
