Charter Standard Update

Charter Standard Status Brings Benefits for 2019/20

FA Kitemark is of Huge Value to Grassroots Football Clubs

Any affiliated football club - youth or adult, male or female - can achieve FA Charter Standard status so the Essex County FA are inviting more clubs to apply to enjoy the many benefits as the ‘Annual Health Check’ process gets underway for existing Charter clubs.

The Charter Standard Programme is The FA’s accreditation scheme for grassroots clubs and leagues. Its goal is to raise standards in grassroots football and support the development of clubs and leagues, recognising and rewarding them for their commitment and achievements. Existing Charter Standard clubs complete Health Checks to ensure these standards are maintained.

FA Charter Standard accreditation is awarded to clubs and leagues rigorously adjudged to be well-run and sustainable and who prioritise child protection, quality coaching and implementation of the Respect Campaign. Essex County FA Senior Football Development Officer, Karl Sear, believes now is the ideal time for clubs to consider attaining the kitemark.

He explained: “Our ‘Moving Forward’ Strategy states that we want 100% of youth clubs in Essex to achieve Charter Standard status and create a united grassroots football environment which delivers football for all. We want to support clubs to provide the safest and best possible environment for young people engaged in the game. Collectively we can achieve this.”

“We need to ensure clubs have all the relevant safeguards, procedures and coaching in place to create an engaging and progressive environment. As we all embark on a new season, now is the perfect time to find out more about the benefits. Also, we’re recommending that existing Charter clubs please complete their Annual Health Check as soon as possible.”

“Clubs can ensure their coaches are qualified and have all of the relevant first aid and safeguarding training to guarantee their teams are run to the best level possible. Charter Standard clubs benefit from a tailored support package including access to promotional resources and guidance, official FA Nike match balls, an FA certificate and access to administrative support sessions.”

“They receive support with funding applications and free tickets for England youth and women’s internationals. There are also many intangible benefits which show that Charter Standard clubs are more likely to be run sustainably, which can attract more volunteers, players and coaches.”

Click here if you’d like to find out more about becoming an FA Charter Standard club. Existing Charter clubs can now complete their Annual Health Checks via the online FA Whole Game System. Information on grassroots Essex football is also shared by @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

Win England Tickets! This year, as an incentive to those clubs who follow our guidance by completing their Annual Health Check to ‘award’ level by Friday 27th October, they will be entered into a draw to win a pair of tickets to the European Qualifier between England and Montenegro on 14th November. We have eight pairs of tickets up for grabs, all of which will be issued into draws dependent on club size. The draw will take place on Wednesday 30th October and winners will be announced via our social media channels.

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