FA CHARTER STANDARD SCHEME

The FA Charter Standard programme supported by McDonald’s is a kite-mark, which recognises and rewards high quality levels of provision in clubs and league football.

The kite-mark is awarded to clubs and leagues that are well run, sustainable and importantly place child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount. As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the playing experience for all.

Launched in 2001, the programme now has 6800 clubs, with 653 advanced level Community Clubs and 300 leagues. The kite-mark is a major focus of The FA’s £200 million FA National Game Strategy and has improved coaching, the number of girls football teams and safeguarding of children.

There are three levels of FA Charter Standard accreditation for clubs to recognise the different standards.

The entry level is an FA Charter Standard Club, the next level is an FA Charter Standard Development Club and the most advanced FA Charter Standard Community Club. Each advanced level requires additional criteria to be met. Any club can apply for FA Charter Standard status, even a one-team club. The criteria is challenging, but is attainable for every club. Once awarded, FA Charter Standard clubs and leagues are given an annual health check to ensure the standards of provision are maintained.

Criteria for achieving the entry level award include having a trained Welfare Officer, CRB checks for all volunteers, Emergency Aid-trained volunteers linked to each team, Respect programme sign-up, a Level One coach for each youth team, appropriate club administration in place and a volunteer co-ordinator.

The benefits for an FA Charter Standard club include free tickets upon application for England youth and women’s internationals, local in-service FA/McDonald’s coaching events, administration support sessions and support with funding applications.

The ‘hidden’ benefits are key to most clubs working towards the kite-mark. By achieving an FA Charter Standard Club Award, you are demonstrating to all members, parents, sponsors and the public, that you are a well-organised, safe club offering opportunities for all.

The kite-mark lasts for one season and will be renewed each year as part of the club re-affiliation process.

Kite-mark awards can be withdrawn if a club has a poor disciplinary record, fails to attend in-service FA Charter Standard events or is unable to continue to meet the criteria.