Meeting the Standard

Since The FA’s ‘Charter Standard’ quality assurance programme was launched in 2001, it has had an undeniably positive effect on the provision of grassroots football, particularly in younger age groups.

Now, the National Game Strategy is taking the concept forward by introducing FA Charter Standard Leagues – and a national pilot study is currently taking place with 50 Leagues before being launched nationwide.

The concept behind Charter Standard Leagues underpins one of the four key goals of the National Game Strategy: to raise standards and improve behaviour. By 2012, the aim is that 30 per cent of all Leagues will have achieved FA Charter Standard status (some 510 leagues), all adhering to the core principle which underpins the Charter Standard ‘brand’:

To offer everybody in grassroots football a high-quality, safe, enjoyable experience, that is nationally recognised.

The pilot and programme is being led by Jeff Davis, one of The FA’s National Football Development Managers, who reveals an even longer-term vision:

"Ultimately," Davis explains, "we want to develop an entire network of efficient League structures that provide a positive environment from Mini-Soccer, youth football, adult and veterans’ football for recreational football players.

"Of course, there are many Leagues which do this already," Davis continues, "but as with Charter Standard Clubs, we want to create a national, uniform standard so that everyone involved – irrespective of their role – is assured that the League in which they are involved is being run to the highest standards.

"Charter Standard Leagues will also play a key role in delivering certain aspects of the on-going Respect programme, encouraging improved behaviour and imposing sanctions should Codes of Conduct be broken.

"At present, we’re using the pilot phase to test the relevance and achievability of the draft criteria we’ve drawn up, as well as the proposed application and accreditation processes. The pilot will also enable us to get feedback from the Leagues involved and shape the support package we’ll need to have in place."

Just like Clubs, the Charter Standard will become a ‘badge of honour’ for a League – and to choose just one example, will assure parents that their child is ‘held’ by a structure which is safe, has agreed behaviour standards in place – and a development plan for itself and its Clubs.

One of the draft criteria is that at least 60 per cent of Clubs must already have Charter Standard status, with the others required to achieve this within two years of the League being awarded the Charter Standard mark. Then there will be an ‘annual health check’ for all Charter Standard Leagues to ensure standards are being maintained and the development plan is on track.

"Once we have collated all the information from the pilot phase," Davis says, "all Counties will be fully briefed on the process for their member Leagues to attain Charter Standard status.

"We are also putting together a valuable package of benefits to those Leagues that are successful, so there will be some very tangible benefits – and wide-ranging support – both from your County and The FA."

Meanwhile, The FA’s Charter Standard Club programme goes from strength to strength – and there are now more than 3,500 Clubs at all levels who have achieved this status – including 56 per cent of all youth Clubs (under-16).

The Club scheme is aimed at every Club outside the Premier and Football Leagues, and if you are thinking of applying, you need to have various items already in place, such as a written constitution, FA CRB-checked volunteers and all team managers should have a minimum of the FA Level One Coaching badge. You should also have behaviour Codes of Conduct in place and a commitment to attend in-service training, provide Mini-Soccer opportunities for under-10s and promote schools liaison and equal opportunities for all.

"Applying is free, and even a club with one team can make an application," says Les Howie, FA National Development Manager (Clubs and Coaches).

"Rightly, it’s not easy to attain, but by achieving a Charter Standard award, you are demonstrating to all members, parents and the public, that you are a well organised and safe club. It’s also an excellent way of promoting your Club to potential members, parents, volunteers and sponsors."

There’s an extensive benefits package in place, so to get started, contact your County FA to guide you through the application process."