Two of this year’s FA National Charter Standard winners have been looking back on their big day out at Wembley Stadium last week.
Both Faversham Strike Force and Southwark Carrib Sport Academy Youth received their awards along with five other clubs from around the country at the Windsor Hotel in Berkshire before travelling to Wembley for England’s 3-0 victory over Estonia.
Kent based Faversham joined Freethorpe Youth as Club of the Year winners and Strike Force club manager, Gary Axford, commented: “Receiving this award is a testimony to the dedication and hard work of our superb volunteers and special praise goes to Lee Suter who worked hard to ensure that the initial application was a success.”
Gary was also thrilled to meet Sir Trevor Brooking at Wembley Stadium in front of 86,000 fans: “Walking on the pitch to meet a legend made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and it was great to receive such a brilliant reaction from the crowd as well.”
National Development Club winners, Southwark Carrib Sport Academy Youth, were represented at the event by Janet and Carlton Scafe who are the driving force behind the Peckham based outfit.
Janet commented: “We were the only London based club at the awards and it was fantastic being amongst people who are all working for a better and safer environment in our communities and schools regardless of race, disability or religion.”
“The day was all about our volunteers, players, parents and supporters who have helped to make our club what it is today, so we gladly accepted the awards on behalf of all the members of Southwark Caribb.”
Other National Charter Standard winners were:
Freethorpe Youth – Club of the Year joint winners
Emma Trickey – Administrator of the Year, East Coker Cockerels
Sheffield FC – Adult Club of the Year
Waveney Youth – Community Club of the Year
Mary Rudkin – Coach of the Year, Leicester City Ladies