Recognition for 9v9 League

Essex have their very first FA Charter Standard League with the Chelmer & Crouch 9v9 Youth League receiving their award at a presentation evening in Chelmsford recently.

The FA award, which assess a League’s ability to provide a high quality, safe and enjoyable experience against set criteria, was presented to members of the Chelmer & Crouch League by FA Regional Development Manager, Darren Lawrence.

"The League is one of the first in the country to achieve this award and one of only four to date within the East Region," said Lawrence of the League which bridges the gap between Mini Soccer and 11-a-side.

"The commitment shown by their volunteers has been first class and it’s clear they are a forward-looking competition striving to do the right things by providing quality football experiences for young people."

League Secretary, Michaela Goss, added: "We’re honoured to be one of a handful of Leagues nationally to have achieved this award.

"We’re proud that Charter Standard clubs like to join us and have been keen to take the 9v9 format on board.

"We have over 20 clubs taking part and the game is growing in popularity and our numbers are increasing every year.

"Our development plan is in place for the next three years and we now hope to push 9v9 out to more clubs so we can grow."

Helping the League through every step of their application was Essex FA Club Development Officer, Ian Bent: "Our plan is to use the achievements of the Chelmer & Crouch to promote the award to the rest of the Leagues in the County.

"It is a huge honour for Essex to have one of the first Charter Standard Leagues in the country and highlights both the excellent work we do as a Football Development team and the hard endeavour of League officials.

"Together we are confident that the League will be the first of many in Essex."