Somerset have reached and exceeded the 100 mark for Charter Standard Schools, with currently 110 Schools with the accreditation within the County. On top of this was the success of one school achieving the National Charter Standard Development Secondary School Award, namely Ansford Community School.

Somerset’s success in this area has been down to the great work by the Football Development team, Clubs, County Coaches and School Sport Partnerships through School Visits and In-Service Days.

The school visits were offered to every Primary School that was involved in the TOPs Football Programme and to all Special Schools. Following on from these the County organised In-Service days where teachers could attend to achieve The FA Teaching Certificate Key Stage 2, while the children participated in coaching sessions and a tournament.

At both of these initiatives, The FA Charter Standard was promoted and all schools were encouraged to achieve the award, with many of the schools doing just this.

Kevin Hodges, Football Development Officer said: "I am grateful that the good work within Schools in Somerset is finally being acknowledged, although a lot of credit needs to go to a lot of other people who have been a great help in encouraging schools within their Sports Partnership to achieve the award. Without this kind of support I am uncertain we would have achieved so much success".

Somerset are proud to have reached this prestigious number and to be one of the first within the South West Region to reach 100 school.

"It is an excellent achievement for Somerset County FA and a credit to the hard work and commitment of all key partners. This puts Somerset in the top three counties in the country for delivery of the Charter Standard School Programme" said Lucy Wellings, Regional FA Football Development Manager.

Somerset FA hope to build on these figures and keep ahead of the rest of the chasing South West Counties with good practice and high standards being obtained within their Schools.

If you'd like more information, contact the Somerset FA Development Team on: 01761 410280.