Essex’s FA Charter Standard football clubs and leagues who are ‘Built to Last’ are being recognised for making their environments safe, fun and inclusive and embracing the accreditation by raising standards, increasing awareness and taking action.

The Charter Standard programme exists to positively improve people’s football experience, making accreditation increasingly worthwhile. The FA are growing, developing and supporting a sustainable and collaborative club and league network which unites communities by providing opportunities For All. Recent online ‘League Forums’ have shared this message.

The programme wants clubs and leagues to be the best place for communities to play and enjoy football, promoting a commitment and dedication to ensure they’ll be around for seasons to come. Becoming accredited is a simple process, supported by dedicated County FA officers with local knowledge of clubs’ and leagues’ development.

The criteria mean clubs and leagues are committing to providing the best on-pitch environment by getting the relevant people qualified. This ensures they’re structured to achieve their goals and are built to last. Working together as a team, these ambitions are achievable.

Due to the impact of Covid-19 on the game, and the ability to deliver face-to-face education, The FA have introduced interim criteria for the 2020/21 season. If you’re interested in achieving FA Charter Standard accreditation, or just want to find out more, please have a conversation with your local Football Development Officer.

Existing Charter Standard Clubs: Stay the Best

For the 2020/21 season, The FA are extending FA Charter Standard accreditation to all clubs who either renewed it as part of the 2019/20 Annual Health Check process or clubs who became newly-accredited during 2019/20.

There will be no Annual Health Check process for the 2020/21 season and accredited clubs’ renewal dates have been moved forward to the 2021/22 season. The FA recognise the reason accredited clubs are the best places to play and enjoy the game is because of the criteria they adhere to and satisfy, season-on-season, even raising standards where possible.

Therefore, The FA have introduced interim criteria (coaching, first aid and safeguarding) to support clubs to make sure the relevant individuals can still educate and equip themselves to provide a safe, fun and inclusive environment for all to enjoy. These can be found below.