Counties land Equality awards

The FA is pleased to announce that Somerset FA and London FA have achieved the Foundation Level of the National Standard for equality, and were presented with their awards at the FA Council meeting on the 12 October.

The National Standard for Equality is a nationally recognised framework that assists CFAs with embedding equality at the highest level of their organisation, and communicating and sharing that commitment with its staff and its partners. It also provides a framework to review how a CFA is organised around equality in relation to its service delivery, workforce, policies and procedures and legal compliance against the backdrop of the National Game Strategy’s four strategic goals and three enablers.

“I am delighted and proud that Somerset FA has obtained the Foundation Level of the Equality Standard award, this reflects our commitment to Football for All. I would like to thank and congratulate our Directors, Council Members and staff, whose efforts have helped us achieve this award. Special thanks must go to Rachael Edwards who led this project and carried it through to fruition. Of course, this is not an end but part of our continuing journey to make football accessible for all members of the community within Somerset.”

Jonathan Pike, Chief Executive of Somerset FA

“London FA is delighted to have achieved the Foundation Level of the National Standards for Equality. Achieving the Standard has helped build on existing good practice in equality and also embed equality at every level within the organisation.”

Darren Smith, London FA

"London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. This award signals London FAs intent to make football accessible and inclusive to all.”

Josie Clifford, London FA

“It has been a real pleasure working closely with both CFAs on the Standard. What has really impressed the National Game and Equality teams is the level of dedication shown to be the very best at making football as open and inclusive as possible, whilst tying these aspirations back into Growth and Retention, Creating Better Players and Coaches, Running the Game and Raising Standards. What Somerset FA and London FA have done deserves recognition; so a big congratulations to them both.”

Jonathan Mills, FA Equality Co-ordinator

"In working with the two successful County Football Associations, both Somerset FA and London FA have shown a clear understanding of how the national standard for equality can assist their organisation to be a benchmark for equality in the industry. The Foundational Level of the Standard has enabled them both to be guided and supported through a process of change that embeds equality into the heart of their organisation, and lays the foundations to becoming a beacon of inclusive good practice in employment and service delivery."

Louise Tideswell, Equality Standard Advisor