Setting the Standard in South Yorkshire

The Sheffield & Hallamshire FA are delighted to announce that the Doncaster & District Junior Sunday League are the first in the region to be presented with The FA Charter Standard Status award. The league is one of two affiliated leagues that have recently achieved this prestigious kite mark in the scheme's first season.

Launched for the 2009-10 season following a successful pilot scheme, The Charter Standard Status assesses the ability of leagues to provide a high quality, safe and enjoyable football experience against a set standard of criteria.
 
League representatives attended the Championship game between Doncaster Rovers and Middlesbrough fixture on Tuesday to be presented their award from Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O`Driscoll.

The league currently has 170 teams playing 11-a-Side football, in 17 divisions from U11 to U17 inclusive. It also has 110 teams playing in 11 divisions in the Mini Soccer age groups from U7 to U10 inclusive.

Rob Smith, Doncaster & District Junior Sunday League Secretary, said “The league is delighted that its achievements have been recognised by The Football Association. We will continue with the hard work that has enabled us to attain this national recognised standard.

"As part of the ongoing development plan for the league, it is our aim to further increase the numbers of teams participating. This will come from a proposed rule change which if approved would allow the league to capture more clubs, particularly from outlying areas, which ultimately would allow more children and young people to get involved with the game.”

Matthew Handley, Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Football Development Officer, added: “On behalf of Sheffield & Hallamshire FA, I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the Doncaster & District Junior Sunday League. The Charter Standard League Award encourages leagues to continuously develop, through on-going support from County FA Staff and the review and on-going development of a league development plan, as part of an annual health check process.”

“The Doncaster & District Junior Sunday League has worked closely with Sheffield & Hallamshire FA to offer a number of valuable initiatives to its own grassroots football workforce affirming the leagues position as a worthy recipient of The FA Charter Standard League accolade.”

Initiatives set up by the league have included providing football development workshops and courses to league associates free of charge.  Courses have included Certificate in Coaching Football Courses Level 1 and 2, Emergency First Aid, Safeguarding Children, Welfare Officer Workshops and Charter Standard Workshops.