Second inclusive League awarded FA Charter Standard League recognition.
The Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire inclusive (BOBi) League became only the second inclusive League in the country to achieve the prestigious FA Charter Standard League award.
The Charter Standard League award is a flagship initiative for The FA and is the quality mark for Leagues. It assesses the ability of the League to provide a high quality, safe and enjoyable football experience for all against a standard set of criteria.
The BOBi League currently provides regular competitive football activity for footballers from U12 to open age. Currently, 24 inclusive teams are lined up to begin the 2009-10 season in September.
Charter Standard League status is a process through which a League and its Clubs can improve their activities across a range of areas including, child protection, coaching, officiating and administration. The BOBi League embraced this process and demonstrated that they are constantly striving to improve for players, coaches, referees and Clubs. As part of the criteria to attain the League award, Clubs have also had to become FA Charter Standard Clubs and therefore undertake some key areas of improvement in their operating standards.
Owain Prosser, Football Development Officer for Oxfordshire FA, commented: "The Charter Standard League award is a fantastic achievement and the League should be congratulated for their positive and progressive attitude to the development of inclusive football in the County.
"The BOBi League has just completed its first full season, so it is testament to the commitment of this League and its member Clubs that they were able to earn The FA Charter Standard award in such a short space of time."
Lucy Tappin, Vice Chairperson of the BOBi League, added: "This is a fantastic achievement for the League.
"The strides that the clubs have made in such a short space of time bodes well for the future of inclusive football in Oxfordshire."
If you are interested in playing in the BOBi League, please contact Owain Prosser on Owain.Prosser@OxfordshireFA.com (or call 07956 415 583), or Steph Litten on Steph.Litten@berks-bucksfa.com (or call 07764 220 065).
