Last night at half time of the Women’s World Cup Qualifier between England and Holland at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic Football Club, the London FA and the Football Foundation recognised the achievements of this grassroots club.

Orpington Town have grown tremendously in recent years from only five teams in 2003 to 23 teams for this coming season. This will include two new girls’ teams at U12 and U14 level, thanks to the grant from the Football Foundation. The growth and structure of the club also enabled them to be awarded with the FA Community Charter Standard Status in May 2006.

Orpington Town club official, Nick Barclay and player, Christie Chamock took to the pitch where they were presented with their Charter Standard Community Plaque and certificate from London FA official Brian Miller, and with a cheque for £8300 from Radha Balani of the Football Foundation. The Mayor of Bromley was also present to share in the success of the club.

Orpington Town is a true community club with playing opportunities from U7’s through to senior football, where they run three adult teams. They also run a Sunday soccer school for children from 5 to 9 years.

They are very proud of their links with schools in the town They have a strong coaching philosophy and work closely with the Mike Delany Soccer Skills Academy which enables the club to provide a minimum of Level 2 coaches for each team.

They encourage all coaches to continue developing and have good links with Orpington College where they provide support for students who have completed their FA Level 1 Coaching Certificate.

The London FA would like to thank The FA and Charlton Athletic FC for their assistance and involvement in the presentation.