The Mercian League has been part of the FA’s pilot Charter Standard League programme. Only one league from each county was chosen to be part of the programme and the League has worked with our Football Development Manager Andy Norman to hit the FA’s requirements.
Andy explained, ‘Congratulations to the Mercian League for achieving Charter Standard. The League has always supported the Charter Standard programme for clubs and it is fitting they are the first league in Worcestershire to receive the accreditation particularly as 92% of the teams in their league are from Charter Standard Clubs. Can I say well done to all the Mercian League Committee for being so open minded to the changes required but especially to their Charter Standard Co-ordinator, Ray Wright who has done an excellent job. As part of the League’s Charter Standard requirement is to deliver a Development Plan and they have started excellently with a superb under 8’s festival held at King George V playing field in Worcester recently. We are also working in partnership with the League to offer member clubs free places on the FA’s new Age Appropriate Coaching Course.’
“The League Management Committee was unanimous in their commitment to achieve the award from the onset. It was a team effort. Following several meetings with lots of discussions the final draft was submitted and the rest is history. However this is only the beginning as we will now be continuously reviewing our standards and projections throughout the season.” commented Chairman George Silverman
The Charter Standard League Programme will assess the ability of leagues to provide a high quality, safe and enjoyable football experience against a standard set of criteria. It will also encourage leagues to continuously develop, through on-going support from County FA staff and the review and on-going development of a league development plan, as part of an annual health check process.
Following the successful pilots, the FA Charter Standard League Programme has now been fully launched nationally. Further details of the programme can be obtained from Andy Norman at the WFA.