Any club affiliated to a County FA that play in the National League System and below, likewise for women’s clubs that play outside the Women’s Super League (BARCLAYS FA WSL) and Women’s Championship (FA WC), tier 3 and below, can apply. Clubs must have at least one team playing within an FA sanctioned league.

Any league sanctioned to a County FA that are the National League System and below, likewise for women’s clubs that play outside the Women’s Super League (BARCLAYS FA WSL) and Women’s Championship (FA WC), tier 3 and below, can apply.

Clubs or leagues should contact their local County FA. Clubs and leagues can expect the support they need to understand what it takes for clubs and leagues to become accredited and assistance with relevant information, guidance and documentation.

It’s FREE. The FA and County FA’s do not charge to become accredited. Clubs and leagues receive benefits and incentives to achieve, maintain and progress their accreditation.

Currently clubs complete an annual health check via The FA’s Whole Game System every season from September however for the 2020/21 season the Annual Health Check is suspended. Leagues are asked to renew their accreditation every three years whilst reviewing their development plan with their local County FA’s development team.

Leagues and clubs achieving The FA Charter Standard accreditation can be PROUD to be the best place for people to play and enjoy football within their football community.

They demonstrate positive football environments where people experience their football in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.

Whether you are male, female or have a disability, individuals including players, officials, spectators, referees and volunteers feel part of a team thanks to league and club accreditation as they aim to provide FOOTBALL FOR ALL.

For becoming The FA Charter Standard accredited, leagues and clubs receive access to benefits that help to attract and retain players, volunteers and supporters.

Both accredited leagues and clubs experience benefits, the level of which depends on the level of accreditation for clubs. These include:

• Attracting and retaining players, supporters and volunteers through providing safe, fun and inclusive environments for all to experience and enjoy
• Funding for football equipment
• Access to promotional resources and guidance
• Tailored support from The FA and County FAs

Support and resources are available to accredited leagues and clubs help them achieve their ambitions including but not limited to:

• Raising standards across the game
• Creating positive match day environments
• Establishing player pathways for continued participation, placing the player at the centre of all they do
• Understanding the role they play in their football community
• Becoming a sustainable and financially efficient organisations

There is a minimum criteria for all clubs with some additional criteria specific to clubs with youth teams and clubs with adult teams.

On-pitch we look for the relevant individuals to hold certain qualifications to ensure they are educated, equipped and empowered to make the training and match day environment a great one.

Off-pitch we ask clubs to have relevant policies and documents in place to ensure they are structured correctly and built to last. FA templates of these policies and documents are available to adopt.

Higher levels of club accreditation are achievable for clubs who have the ambitions to provide more playing opportunities to more people. Clubs who achieve Development or Community club accreditation are given access to greater levels of support, benefits and equipment.

There is only one level of accreditation leagues can apply for. The criteria focus on:

• Having in place a 3-year development plan
• A minimum percentage of your member clubs accredited with ambitions to grow this percentage
• Implementation of The FA’s Respect Programme
• A focused Referee Officer
• An active link with other leagues to support players to find relevant places to continue playing their football

Follow the link below to find out more about the rewards that are available for accredited leagues and clubs from the 2020/21 season.

View rewards of an FA Charter Standard club or league