The FA Charter Standard scheme looks to provide recognition to those clubs who demonstrate:
- Required standards
- Raising standards
- Reaching excellence
There are three awards, each with their own targets and status, that clubs can aim for.
Charter Standard Clubs
This award is available for both youth and adult clubs. Youth clubs need to demonstrate management, child protection, qualified coaches, codes of conduct and insurance, while adult clubs require management, insurance, first aid qualifications and codes of conduct.
Charter Standard Development Clubs
These clubs must have met the criteria for Charter Standard Clubs and must also have at least five teams and a football development plan.
Charter Standard Community Club
This award is the pinnacle of the Charter Standard Programme, and in addition to meeting all of the Charter Standard Club criteria, clubs need ten teams from youth to adult, Mini Soccer, boys and girls teams and a 3-5 year football development plan.
The FA and County FA will provide practical support, resources and training courses to assist clubs to achieve the FA Charter Standard at the appropriate level, and clubs that receive the award will be able to access a comprehensive benefits package, which includes use of the Charter Standard logo, promotional materials, The FA Child Protection and Best Practice - The Guide, three footballs and tickets to England Youth and Women's internationals.
However, maybe the most important benefit is the recognition from The FA, that the club provides a safe, quality experience for its players.
On-going support
Clubs that achieve Charter Standard status receive on-going support from our Football Development staff, and are able to access courses and training to assist in their continued development, for example by in-service training events and free places on The FA/McDonalds's Community Coaching programme.