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Interim Charter Standard requirements in place for new applicants

Interim Charter Standard requirements in place for new applicants

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Following our recent attendance at a national FA Charter Standard web conference for leagues, we have been advised that the requirements for new adult club applicants have been reviewed and adapted to allow temporary completion of the first aid course element by e-learning, this having proved a big hurdle to participants to complete such.

The league are very keen for more of our member clubs to work towards this accreditation which will enable you to access the various benefits of the programme and we will therefore continue to lend a hand to those needing assistance. We will also be joined by our colleagues at Essex County FA at our December clubs meeting to answer any questions you might have about the process. 

What is Charter Standard?

It’s perhaps an appropriate time here to explain what we mean by “Charter Standard” as many amongst you may well still be wondering.

This national scheme, coordinated by the FA in collaboration with McDonalds, is one of recognition and reward. Its goal is to raise standards in grassroots football, support the development of clubs and leagues, recognising and rewarding them for their commitment and achievements.

To achieve Charter Standard, for an adult club, it has to demonstrate that they offer well-run and sustainable football whilst challenging themselves to maintain high standards and, where appropriate, to improve and progress to new levels. Clubs must also agree to adhere to and promote the FA’s Respect programme too.

The common misconception is that the scheme is targeted at big, well established youth clubs. Well, it is perhaps true that a larger majority of those clubs are those who have taken it up in its 18 or so years of being in existence but adult-only clubs are equally entitled to take part and earn recognition. In fact, from looking at the requirements, it is far easier for an adult club to join the scheme and maintain the accreditation in the long run.

But what’s in it for my club?

Good question. For many, you will be probably thinking, it sounds like a great idea in principle but are really not sure of the benefits you will see as a club. Some of the benefits are intangible and include:

  • Being able to promote the fact that you are a Charter Standard Club, that bringing a positive reputation about how well run your club is
  • Attracting and retaining players and volunteers
  • Access to tailored support and resources from the FA and county FA

Some of the tangible benefits to new and existing Charter Standard Clubs include:

  • Provided with 10 new match balls
  • £100 kit and equipment voucher to be spent with an approved distributor
  • Eligible to apply for ‘Stay in the Game’ grants of £750
  • Prioritised access to other funding sources
  • Access to tickets for England youth and women’s internationals

That all sounds great but what do I need to do to meet the criteria?

Our focus in this section is very much with adult clubs, that being the demographic we work with most closely.

There are a number of criteria that all clubs have to meet which include having a bank account in the club’s name for those with more than one team and an accompanying financial statement approved by the club’s committee.

All clubs need to also have a set of key documents in place which include club rules for its members, an equality policy and have completed the planning document which looks at how your club is planning to develop and meet targets set. We have produced a number of templates that clubs can adapt to their needs which will speed this up dramatically for you.

The remaining key requirement was to ensure that there is a qualified, non-playing, first aider at each match. This individual needed to have attained the FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAIF). For the time being however, the FA have temporarily replaced this with some e-learning modules that can be completed from home.

For youth clubs, the requirements extend significantly into areas concerning coaches requiring to hold qualifications, safeguarding matters, CRC checks for all volunteers and minutes of committee meetings, demonstrating that it is much easier for adult-only clubs to get onboard.

While the above may not be an exhaustive list of requirements, it does outline the key areas being assessed as clubs go through the application process, something which Essex County FA are only too happy to support on all the way.

OK, I’m interested. What happens next?

For those wanting to proceed, the first port of call is to get in touch with the Football Development Officer at your county FA who will give you the advice you need and help you get the ball rolling. For those affiliated with Essex County FA, you can speak with Jake Ling who represents our area (London boroughs). His e-mail address is jake.ling@essexfa.com.

Furthermore, we have individuals within the league itself who are more than happy to provide a practical helping hand and assist in preparing the various documents required for your club. We even have some templates available that you can simply drop your club name into.

In summary…

There will naturally be much scepticism from many quarters that this is scheme that merely serves to tick a few boxes at the FA. Perhaps this remains true but there is no doubt that the scheme is now well recognised nationwide with the percentage of Charter Standard accredited clubs and leagues on the grow year upon year. With that growth brings a much better understanding of what it represents to hold this kite mark for your club.

For adult-only football clubs, the criteria remains very achievable for clubs of any size, including those who operate with a very small pool of volunteers. With the undoubted availability of templates and exemplars to assist with the construction of the key documents to support your application, the tangible benefits I feel are sufficient to consider making an application. The cost of ten new match balls and the voucher for kit and equipment alone makes this a worthwhile investment in your club, not discounting the other benefits that are likely to follow.

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