The FA Charter Standard programme is the FA’s accreditation scheme for grassroots clubs and recognises and rewards high quality levels of football provision. The kitemark is awarded to clubs rigorously adjudged to be well-run and sustainable – and which prioritise safeguarding, quality coaching and implementation of the FA’s Respect programme.

Criteria for achieving the award include having trained Club Welfare Officers, Criminal Record Checks for ALL volunteers, First Aid and Safeguarding trained volunteers linked to each team, a minimum of a FA Level One coach for each team within an age group as well as appropriate club policies and procedures in place.

The FA Charter Standard is reviewed and renewed every twelve months so that these high standards of child welfare and football development continue to be met.