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 Supported
by the FA 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.
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."
"I'm 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 West Ham manager Harry Redknapp
and his son the 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 aren't so lucky.
"That's 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."
England Women's International footballer, Marieanne Spacey, was also
at the launch and was delighted that Charter Standard will give equal
priority to women's football:
"This project will increase the opportunities for girls to play
football and will help the development of women's football as a sport
in this country."
Nationwide's Head of Sports Marketing, Peter Gandolfi, explained the
reason why it is working with The F.A. to support Charter Standard:
"F.A. Charter Standard puts the focus on the needs of local football,
which is in tune with Nationwide's own belief in the importance of
the local community, as we have continually demonstrated."
By the end of 2001, The F.A. hopes that 750 English clubs will have
signed-up and that 3,000 will be Charter Standard within three years.
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
10's
· Commitment to promote schools liaison and equal opportunities
for all
For more information on the Charter Standard Scheme vist the
FA at
www.thefa.com |
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