Basingstoke Town Colts Young Football Club is proud to have achieved FA Charter Standard Development Status, but what does it all mean?

The FA Charter Standard Clubs programme, supported by FA Community Partner McDonald’s, was launched in February 2001 and is a core component of the FA Football Development programme. The project 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 FA standards.

Charter Standard Criteria
The FA, 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 a minimum FA Junior Team Managers Award.
• Commitment to attend in-service training.
• Acceptance and promotion of Code of Conduct.
• Commitment to provide Mini-Soccer opportunities for Under 10s.
• Commitment to promote school liaison and equal opportunities for all.

Development Club Criteria

• Meet Charter Standard Criteria.
• Development Plan.
• Recruitment/Retention Policy.
• Mini Soccer.
• Links with schools.
• Links with Boys/Girls football.
• Staff development programme.
• Development of new teams.
• Exit routes.
• Minimum five teams in four age groups.
• At least one manager/Coach qualified to certificate level.
• Commit to at least two in-service training events per year.

Benefits
Clubs that are successful in achieving the FA Charter Standard 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 FA Junior Team Managers and other courses.
• Certificates.
• Starter Pack, including posters, Codes of Conduct, Certificates.
• First Aid Kit.