The FA is pleased to announce that Manchester FA have achieved the Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard.

The National Standard for Equality is a recognised framework that assists County FAs with embedding equality at the highest level of their organisation, and communicating and sharing that commitment with its staff and partners.

It also provides a framework to review how a CFA is organised around equality in relation to its service delivery, workforce, policies, procedures and legal compliance against the backdrop of the National Game Strategy’s four strategic goals and three enablers.

MCFA will be congratulated at FA Full Council on 10 April 2013 and on notification of the award, Manchester FA CEO Colin Bridgford revealed how delighted he was on behalf of all the staff.

He said: “I must place on record my appreciation of the work that Social Inclusion Officer John Hurst has done in leading and developing a robust action plan for Manchester FA.

“We are a county that is committed to leading change and, through equality, being at the heart of all what we do.

“We have some challenging years ahead and with the demographics of Manchester we need to ensure that we lead the way and offer the benchmark for others to aspire.

“The work starts here but as CEO, I know I speak for the Business Board members by stating that they will be delighted with the news of our achievement.”

Kelly Simmons, Director of National Game and Women's football, was quick to praise MCFA.

She added: “I congratulate Manchester FA on achieving the Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard for Sport with flying colours.

“I personally recognise their excellent work in the field of equality and diversity.

“Manchester FA is certainly leading the way and their achievement is a beacon of good practice in this area, which should encourage other CFAs to follow.”

Hurst, who acts as the lead for Equality and Inclusion within the county, believes that MCFA has laid down a marker and mustn't rest on its laurels.

He explained: “Achieving the Preliminary Level really demonstrates how far Manchester FA has come as a leading County FA through its continued commitment and dedicated work around equality issues.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that supported our bid and contributed to the application.

“As a forward thinking County FA, the work to maintain the Preliminary Level starts now.”

Manchester FA is seeking to include more active members on its equality working group in a bid to tackle discrimination and reduce inequalities with football. If interested, please contact John Hurst at john.hurst@manchesterfa.com or 0161 203 2990.