League in Somerset raises standards

Somerset Girls' Football League have worked in partnership with the Somerset FA to be the first league in the County to achieve The FA Charter Standard League status.

The league committee worked hard along side the Girls' and Women's Football Development Officer, Sarah Lawler, to write a strong development plan for the future development of the league and its member clubs.

All clubs have committed to raising standards by signing up to the Respect programmes's Codes of Conduct and spectator areas and the feedback on the Respect programme at the last league meeting was very positive and has enhanced the enjoyment of fixtures by all involved.

The priority in the next three months is to audit the current qualifications of club managers and coaches and develop an in-service training package, supported and subsidised by the league and the Somerset FA to provide the football workforce in the female game with better knowledge and skills.

The league training package hopes to include age appropriate training, support for administrators and referees, rewards for young volunteers, transition from 7v7 to 11v11, Long Term Player Development and linked in-service events with Somerset FA Centre of Excellence.

The Charter Standard League Coordinator, Julie Bowker, will monitor the development plan alongside the Somerset FA to ensure the league and its members are developing the female game across the County.

Amy Kington, Somerset FA County Development Manager, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Somerset Girls' League and the future of female football in Somerset."