The FA Charter Standard Clubs criteria is linked to FA National Game Strategy goals of;
• Growth & Retention
• Raising Standards
• Better Players
• Running the Game
• Volunteer Development
• Facilities
In 2007 53% of Youth football was played in a Charter Standard Club
The National Game Strategy after nationwide consultation has set a target of 75% coverage by 2012.
Listed below are the different criteria for the different Club Awards
Charter Standard Club
The FA Charter Standard Club Award is for clubs with youth teams under the age of 18.
The award is designed to reward best practice, aid delivery across the club volunteer spectrum and educate coaches and club officials to the minimum FA criteria:
To achieve Charter Standard Club Status the club needs to have the following in place:
Club Constitution/Rules
Copy of Annual Accounts
Code of Conduct for players, coaches, parents and officials
Equity Policy: To show equal opportunities in the club
FA Child Protection Policy: Appoint a designated Child Welfare Officer who should have attended FA Child Protection workshop & completed a FA CRB check
Public Liability & Personal Accident Insurance
Qualified Coaches: One Coach per youth team should have achieved Level 1 & applied for or completed an enhanced FA CRB check
Minutes from committee meeting's, AGM's and EGM's
School-Club link established - clubs should have a link with at least one school. This could be an informal link to help recruit new players or a more formal link where club coaches may help deliver football sessions
First Aid Equipment - club to ensure first aid equipment is available at all coaching sessions & matches
One coach to have attended The FA Age Appropriate -Introductory Module by July 2009 (new clubs) or July 2010 (existing clubs)
Regular Briefings - club to hold a briefing for players, parents / carers & officials at the start of each season to address acceptable standards of behaviour & promote positive playing environments
Signed up to the RESPECT Programme
Designated Volunteer Co-ordinator
Charter Standard Development Club
Development Status displays a club's determination and commitment to developing their club further and caters for the growing demands on its members to the minimum FA criteria: To achieve this level, club's must have attained The FA Charter Standard Club criteria plus the criteria listed below:
At least five teams playing across four age groups
A 3-5 year football development plan
One club coach to hold The FA / 1st 4sport Level 2 Certificate In Coaching Football Qualification (Lead Coach)
One coach to have achieved The FA Youth Award - Module 1 Certificate by July 2010
Charter Standard Community Club
This is the pinnacle award for Charter Standard Clubs.
The main focus of the Community Club Award is to become the centre of football within the local community. Achieving this award will require the full support, guidance and advice on hand from the Football Development Team. To achieve this prestigious award the club needs to have obtained the following criteria as well as The FA Charter Standard Club and Development Club criteria:
At least ten teams ranging from youth through to adult including a minimum of one female team
Mini Soccer Provision
Boys and girls teams
5 year football development plan
One person to have attended The FA Mentoring Course by July 2010 (new clubs) or July 2011 (existing clubs)
One coach to have achieved The FA Youth Award - Module 2 Certificate by July 2011
A designated school co-ordinator