Any club affiliated to a County FA that play in the National League System and below, likewise for women’s clubs that play outside the Women’s Super League (BARCLAYS FA WSL) and Women’s Championship (FA WC), tier 3 and below, can apply. Clubs must have at least one team playing within an FA sanctioned league.

Any league sanctioned to a County FA that are the National League System and below, likewise for women’s clubs that play outside the Women’s Super League (BARCLAYS FA WSL) and Women’s Championship (FA WC), tier 3 and below, can apply.

Clubs or leagues should contact their local County FA. Clubs and leagues can expect the support they need to understand what it takes for clubs and leagues to become accredited and assistance with relevant information, guidance and documentation

It’s FREE. The FA and County FA’s do not charge to become accredited. Clubs and leagues receive benefits and incentives to achieve, maintain and progress their accreditation.

Currently clubs complete an annual health check via The FA’s Whole Game System every season from September however for the 2020/21 season the Annual Health Check is suspended. Leagues are asked to renew their accreditation every three years whilst reviewing their development plan with their local County FA’s development team

Leagues and clubs achieving The FA Charter Standard accreditation can be PROUD to be the best place for people to play and enjoy football within their football community.

They demonstrate positive football environments where people experience their football in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.

Whether you are male, female or have a disability, individuals including players, officials, spectators, referees and volunteers feel part of a team thanks to league and club accreditation as they aim to provide FOOTBALL FOR ALL.

For becoming The FA Charter Standard accredited, leagues and clubs receive access to benefits that help to attract and retain players, volunteers and supporters.

Both accredited leagues and clubs experience benefits, the level of which depends on the level of accreditation for clubs. These include:

Attracting and retaining players, supporters and volunteers through providing safe, fun and inclusive environments for all to experience and enjoy
Funding for football equipment
Access to promotional resources and guidance
Tailored support from The FA and County FAs
Support and resources are available to accredited leagues and clubs help them achieve their ambitions including but not limited to:

Raising standards across the game
Creating positive match day environments
Establishing player pathways for continued participation, placing the player at the centre of all they do
Understanding the role they play in their football community
Becoming a sustainable and financially efficient organisations

The criteria are outlined within the application form. There are different criteria for both. It also has some relevant differences for the Youth and Adult game. Broadly the criteria are based around having the following in place:

• Code of conduct and operational policies
• Coaching qualifications (Youth only)
• Links, Pathways & Development Plans

These criteria are designed to make clubs in the best place possible to play and enjoy football. 

Higher levels of accreditation are available to clubs who offer above the minimum criteria. Clubs who achieve Community or Development status are given access to greater levels of support, benefits and equipment.

The precise criteria to become an FA Charter Standard League is identified as part of your Shropshire FA meeting or forum. Broadly leagues are required to meet the following objectives: 

• 60% of registered teams are members of FA Charter Standard clubs
• Demonstrate support for new teams to achieve FA Charter Standard status
• Supporting and implementing The FA’s Respect campaign
• Having a league referees’ officer
• Demonstrate active link to another league to support player development and transitional pathways
• After 3 years, have a minimum of 85% teams as members of FA Charter Standard clubs

Working together with Shropshire FA, we help make sure you are delivering the best offer possible for players to play in a safe, fun and inclusive environment and support for the people who help run your teams.

 The following rewards are available for accredited leagues and clubs from the 2020/21 season.

Clubs

Certification
Football Equipment
Access to promotional resources and guidance
Tailored support from The FA where applicable

Leagues

Certification
Football Equipment
Access to promotional resources and guidance
Tailored support from The FA where applicable

New Clubs will receive:

Adult - Digital welcome pack, digital promotional assets, Nike Strike footballs 
Youth - Digital welcome pack, digital promotional assets, Nike Strike footballs & access to redeem a kit & equipment package
Development - Digital welcome pack, digital promotional assets, Nike Strike footballs & access to redeem a kit & equipment package
Community - Digital welcome pack, digital promotional assets, Nike Strike footballs & access to redeem a kit & equipment package

Existing Clubs will receive:

Adult - Digital certificate, digital promotional assets, Nike Strike footballs
Youth - Digital certificate, digital promotional assets, Nike Strike footballs
Development - Digital certificate, digital promotional assets, Nike Strike footballs & access to redeem a kit & equipment package
Community - Digital certificate, digital promotional assets, Nike Strike footballs & access to redeem a kit & equipment package

New and existing leagues will receive:

Digital certificate, digital promotional assets, access to redeem a kit & equipment package