B.J.F.C. - FA Charter Standard   

 

 

Last updated on Tuesday, December 02, 2003

On Wednesday 25th June 2003, Burton Joyce Junior Football Club unaminously agreed to pursue the accreditation of the FA Charter Standard. A sub-team was set up with the role of putting the criteria laid down by the FA into place.
Commenting on the decision, club chairman, Robin Ringham said:

"I am really delighted and encouraged that the club has decided to go forward to put its efforts into achieving the Charter. As well as giving the club more access to available funds it shows our committment to the development of junior football in the area."

"The club has gone from strength to strength over the years and it seems a natural progression to aim for the Charter mark. I have always been grateful and proud of the tremendous work put in by members of the club, all on a voluntary basis, and I'm sure the club's enthusiasm for football will help us to achieve our goal....."

So, what is the FA Charter Standard for Clubs?

The following is taken from the FA's website (www.thefa.org)

Setting the Standard - 15 September 2002
 
The Football Association, through its Charter Standard scheme, seeks to establish, reward and encourage good practice at grass roots levels so that parents and children can demand a minimum standard of provision from schools, clubs and holiday courses.

The F.A.'s Football Development Team works with County Associations, leagues, clubs and schools all round the country to award Charter Standards to deserving recipients.


The Charter Standard for Schools was launched in October 1999 by Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen as the first stage of the programme. The second, the Charter Standard for Clubs, was launched on 1 February 2001 by Harry and Jamie Redknapp. The third stage is the Charter Standard for Holiday Courses.
The Charter Standard, part of the on-going Charter for Quality scheme, aims to:

* Provide a nationally recognised quality control 'kitemark'
* Improve the quality of provision for boys and girls
* Sustain participation for players over a longer period of time
* Raise standards
The F.A. Charter Standard Clubs programme, supported by England Team Sponsor Nationwide, was launched in February 2001 with the aim of setting standards of coaching, administration and child protection for clubs working with young people.

The programme is aimed at boys and girls under sixteen years old and will help children and parents find a club in their local area that meets F.A. standards.



My Mum and Dad knew where to send me to get a proper football education, but most Mums and Dads aren't that lucky
That's why the The FA Charter Standard for Clubs is such a good idea. For the first time parents know the best clubs in their local area to coach their children.

Jamie Redknapp
Spurs and England
The project is at the heart of The Football Association's investment programme for grassroots football that will see £32 million spent this year to improve facilities and coaching across the country. 

F.A. Chief Executive Adam Crozier explained the importance of Charter Standard:

" The F.A. is committed to raising the standard of grassroots football in England to encourage more people to play, to develop their skills and to enjoy the game in the right environment.

" Clubs who become Charter Standard will be taking part in a genuine grassroots revolution. Every club should be aiming to meet the Charter Standard."

" Im delighted that Nationwide are supporting this project because, like The F.A., they support the game at all levels."

The man leading the project at The F.A., National Game Director Steve Parkin added:

" Clubs will get all the help they need from The F.A. and their local County F.A. to meet the requirements. The aim is to raise standards across the country, not to exclude anyone."


Helping to launch the scheme were Portsmouth (then West Ham) manager Harry Redknapp and his son the Spurs (then Liverpool) and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp. Harry explained why he was backing the project:

" I knew where to send my kids to get a proper football education but most mums and dads arent so lucky.

" Thats why The F.A. Charter Standard for clubs is such a good idea. For the first time, parents will know the best clubs in their local area to coach their children."

This project will increase the opportunities for girls to play football, and will help the development of women's football in this country.

Mo Morley
Everton and England
   
Criteria
The F.A., in conjunction with various bodies, has drawn up the following set of criteria for clubs wishing to reach Charter Standard:
‚ A written constitution
‚ Self-certified screening of managers, coaches and officials
‚ All managers to have minimum of F.A. Junior Team Managers Award
‚ Commitment to attend in-service training
‚ Acceptance and promotion of Codes of Conduct
‚ Commitment to provide Mini-Soccer opportunities for Under 10s
‚ Commitment to promote schools liaison and equal opportunities for all
Benefits
Clubs that are successful in achieving the Charter will get access to a range of benefits:
‚ Use of Charter Standard Crest
‚ Exclusive Regional Workshops
‚ Access to Child Protection Training
‚ Kit and Equipment Grants
‚ National and Regional Awards
‚ Subsidies for F.A. Junior Team Managers and other courses
‚ Certificates
‚ Starter Pack, including posters, Codes of Conduct, Certificates
‚ First Aid Kit
Questions and Answers about Charter Standards Clubs.

If you have queries about our attempts to attain FA Charter Standard then please email

burtonjoycefc@yahoo.co.uk