We're an FA Charter Standard Club
6 April 2018
Ahead of the start of the 2021-22 season The FA have replaced Charter Standard with England Football Accreditation as the new way to support those committed to delivering the highest standards. We are proud to be part of it and recognised as a safer, stronger, more enjoyable place to play football.
We are delighted to announce that Stevenage Starlets FC are now an FA Charter Standard Club. After many months of work behind the scenes to show that we meet all of the necessary criteria, it's very exciting to confirm that it's now official.
The Charter Standard Programme is the FA’s accreditation scheme for grassroots clubs and leagues. Its goal is to raise standards in grassroots football, support the development of clubs and leagues, recognising and rewarding them for their commitment and achievements.
As a club based on a strong set of values, gaining Charter Standard status was always one of our key goals. We are dedicated to providing a high quality football experience for our girls and are extremely proud to have this recognised in our very first year.
Why does being Charter Standard matter?
The FA Charter Standard is a ‘kitemark’ awarded to football clubs who are rigorously adjudged to be well run and sustainable. Gaining Charter Standard status shows that a club places child protection, quality coaching and safety as paramount.
Once awarded, FA Charter Standard clubs and leagues are given an annual health check to ensure the standards of provision are maintained. Awards can be withdrawn if a club has a poor disciplinary record, or is unable to continue to meet the criteria.
FA Charter Standard Clubs all feature a trained Welfare Officer, CRB-checked volunteers, Emergency Aid-trained volunteers linked to each team, Respect programme sign-up, a Level One coach for each youth team, and appropriate club administration in place.
As such, parents looking for a club for their child will find comfort when choosing an FA Charter Standard Club that there will be a positive environment in which to play football.
Why being Charter Standard means so much to us
Our goal is to get more girls into football and enjoying the benefits that come from playing the game. We believe that football has the power to shape young lives for the better, so from day one we have been determined to build a positive culture around our club.
Having our Charter Standard status confirmed shows that we are delivering in these key areas. This is a significant moment for our club and an important milestone for all involved, as Starlets Club Secretary and coach Denise Wells can attest:
"We've had an amazing first year as a club, but there have been few prouder moments than this. For us it is a real validation of everything we are trying to do, and to have gained Charter Standard status before our first birthday is a fantastic achievement".
"This is testament to all the hard work put in by our dedicated volunteers who are determined to make this club the best place for local girls to play football. It's a real honour for us to be able to display the famous Three Lions badge alongside our own".
To learn more about the FA Charter Standard Programme, visit the FA website.
