THE FA IS PROUD TO MAKE CHARTER STANDARD PART OF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND

The FA Charter Standard Programme is The FA’s accreditation scheme open to all grassroots clubs and leagues. It aims to raise standards in the grassroots game, supporting the development of clubs and leagues, recognising and rewarding commitment, quality and achievement.

Proud To Support Clubs Get Up To The Standard

The FA Charter Standard accreditation is for clubs who can be proud to be places where people want to play. These are the clubs who demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football.  

Clubs who achieve Charter Standard status are proud to prioritise qualified coaching and safeguarding as well as the values of The FA’s Respect campaign as part of their game.

Within the Unique structure of RAF Football, RAF teams can achieve the following FA Charter Standard Accreditation:

• FA Charter Standard Adult

Clubs which achieve The FA Charter Standard accreditation are challenged to maintain high standards and, where appropriate, to improve and progress to new levels. 

The accreditation makes a positive difference to the way clubs are run and to people’s enjoyment of football. The FA aims to support all grassroots clubs to reach Charter Standard status through our network of County FA’s.

What The FA Charter Standard Means For Clubs

Clubs achieving The FA Charter Standard status can be proud to be the best place for people to play and enjoy football. They are able to demonstrate positive football environments where people can develop their skills, keep fit and enjoy playing as part of a friendly, inclusive community.

In return for becoming accredited FA Charter Standard clubs receive access to benefits that help to attract and retain players, volunteers and supporters. Benefits clubs experience include:

                -              Attract and retain players, supporters and volunteers
                -              Funding for football equipment
                -              Access to promotional resources and guidance
                -              Tailored support from The FA and County FAs

Proud To Support Grassroots Leagues

The FA Charter Standard League is an accreditation that sets an operational benchmark for FA sanctioned leagues. Since 2009 this is awarded to leagues which can demonstrate their commitment to provide well organised football in safer, more inclusive environments. 

Make Your Club Or League Proud To Be FA Charter Standard 

If you’re interested in achieving The FA Charter Standard Accreditation, or just want to find out more, you should start by making contact with your County FA. They’ll be able to support you. 

Contact:

RAF FA
Football Development Manager
Sam Wheeler 

Sam.Wheeler@RoyalAirforceFA.com

Tel. 01993 895989

Further information about The FA Charter Standard programme is available in our frequently asked questions section below.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about The FA Charter Standard programme.

How can the RAF FA support our application?

The RAF FA is committed to supporting RAF clubs to deliver and showcase why the Royal Airforce is the best place in the country to play football. If you are interested in becoming an FA Charter Standard Club please contact the RAF FA and a tailored support package will be put in place to help you achieve the accreditation. Support may include actions such as:

• Stand alone FA First Aid course at your unit for team managers and players
• Funding to undertake relevant qualifications
• Support completing the application and club planner
• Club structure review

Which clubs can apply for FA Charter Standard status?

Any club can get the support they need to apply for FA Charter Standard accreditation. FA Charter Standard accreditation demonstrates how clubs, leagues, volunteers, parents and players play their part in providing fun, safe and inclusive football opportunities for all.

As a minimum clubs must be affiliated to the RAF FA and have at least one team playing in an FA sanctioned league.

How does a club apply for the FA Charter Standard accreditation?

Clubs should contact The RAF FA to apply for FA Charter Standard status. 

RAF FA

Football Development Manager

Sam Wheeler

Sam.Wheeler@RoyalAirforceFA.com

01993 895989

Clubs work in partnership with us to demonstrate and work toward meeting the accreditation criteria. Help and support is available from the HQ staff.

We then work together to complete an FA Charter Standard application form. We will then review your application and supporting evidence. If a club meets the criteria they are awarded a relevant level of accreditation. Support is available to help clubs meet the standard.

How do leagues register an interest in becoming Charter Standard?

Leagues should contact the RAF FA to register an interest in achieving FA Charter Standard status. This is done by completing an FA Charter Standard League Registration form.

We will organise a meeting where we can help audit and assess your league. As part of this meeting we will identify outstanding objectives against the criteria and help leagues work toward meeting these.

How much does it cost to become FA Charter Standard?

It’s free!

The FA and RAF FA do not charge to become accredited. Clubs also receive benefits and incentives to achieve, maintain and progress their FA Charter Standard status.

How long is the accreditation valid for?

A club’s accreditation lasts for one season. An annual health check must be completed each year to review a club’s status. The FA Charter Standard accreditation may be withdrawn if a club has a poor disciplinary record or no longer meets the criteria.

What are the benefits of The FA Charter Standard for clubs?

Clubs which achieve FA Charter Standard status can be proud to be the best place for people to play and enjoy football. They are able to demonstrate they offer positive football environments where people can develop their skills, keep fit and enjoy playing as part of a friendly, inclusive community.

FA Charter Standard clubs receive access to benefits that will help to attract and retain players, volunteers and supporters. The level of support and resources you receive will depend on the level of accreditation a club achieves. Benefits clubs experience include:

                •             Attract and retain players, supporters and volunteers
                •             Funding for football equipment
                •             Access to FA and Football Foundation funding pots
                •             Opportunity to become an FA Partner Club in new Football Foundation facilities, receiving preferential rates
                •             Access to promotional resources and guidance
                •             Tailored support from The FA and County FAs

Clubs with at least 1 adult Male team also receive*:

• A £100 Nike kit voucher for the Adult Kit Scheme.

• 10 Nike Strike balls

• Eligibility to apply for a £750 ‘ Retain the Game’ grant from the Football Foundation
*benefits subject to change each season

What criteria must clubs meet?

The criteria are outlined within the application form. There are different criteria for both. It also has some relevant differences for the Youth and Adult game. Broadly the criteria are based around having the following in place:

                •             Code of conduct and operational policies
                •             Coaching qualifications (Youth only)
                •             Links, Pathways & Development Plans

These criteria are designed to make clubs in the best place possible to play and enjoy football. 

Higher levels of accreditation are available to clubs who offer above the minimum criteria. Clubs who achieve Community or Development status are given access to greater levels of support, benefits and equipment.

What criteria should leagues meet?

The precise criteria to become an FA Charter Standard League is identified as part of your RAF FA meeting. Broadly leagues are required to meet the following objectives:

                •             60% of registered teams are members of FA Charter Standard clubs
                •             Demonstrate support for new teams to achieve FA Charter Standard status
                •             Supporting and implementing The FA’s Respect campaign 
                •             Having a league referees’ officer
                •             Demonstrate active link to another league to support player development and transitional pathways
                •             After 3 years, have a minimum of 85% teams as members of FA Charter Standard clubs

Working together with The RAF FA, we help make sure you are delivering the best offer possible for players to play in a safe, fun and inclusive environment and support for the people who help run your teams.

FA CHARTER STANDARD CLUB RULES

FA CHARTER STANDARD CRITERIA  

FA CHARTER STANDARD EQUALITY POLICY

FA RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT ADULTS PLAYERS

FA CHARTER STANDARD ADULT CLUB PLANNER