Charter Standard - What is it and what will it mean for Banbury United?

The Football Association’s Charter Standard accreditations are for clubs that show that they are “doing things right” The FA recognises clubs that have a sound administration, qualified coaches and welcoming safe environment for all its members (players, coaches and supporters.) The Charter Standard comes in 4 sizes. Charter Standard for adult clubs, Charter Standard for clubs with more than one team, clubs with more than 5 teams and finally......and the what Banbury United aspire to be.......FA Charter Standard Community Status – for clubs with more than 10 teams.

What does this look like for Banbury United?

Currently Banbury United consists of the Men’s team, Banbury United Youth, & Banbury United Ladies & Girls (which also includes the recently formed Disability squads.) Banbury United Youth and Banbury United Ladies & Girls have already achieved Charter Standard, the aspiration now needs to be for the club as a whole to achieve the Community Status.

So why?

The club currently strives to be a real community club, accessible to all, the accreditation will show that the Football Association recognises what the various sections of the club are doing for the community, that the club have the right things in place and the club is a real “family club” offering opportunities regardless of age, gender or ability. This will really put Banbury United on the map in terms of being the premier club in the town. The accreditation will also start to open doors in terms of funding. Something that is always needed across all sections of the club.

So what do we need to do?

• All coaches associated with the club need to be at least a level 1 coach.
• We need our coaches, officials, players and spectators to sign up to and adhere to a code of conduct; this outlines what is expected from all of our members in terms of their behaviour. We want Banbury United members to be role models in the Community.
• We need to have a clear idea of what we as a whole club (all sections of the club) want to achieve over the next 5 years. – In the form of a development plan.
• We need to ensure that all of our volunteers that come in contact with U18s have an approved FA Criminal Records Bureau Check.
• Ensure that we promote and support Mini-Soccer, disability, girls & women’s football as well as have a player pathway in place to ensure that all are catered for regardless of their age, gender or ability.

We intend to achieve FA Charter Standard Community Status by the end of the 2008/09 season.

For more information on the FA Charter Standard , please visit www.thefa.com