January 2006 - We’ve Done It! Bucks CC now an FA Charter Club

December 2006 - Again Bucks CC now an FA Community Club 

Bucks CC Code of Conduct : FA Charter Main Website

The FA Charter Standard Clubs programme, supported by FA Community Partner McDonald's, was launched in February 2001 and is a core component of The FA Football Development programme The project is aimed at boys and girls under sixteen years old and will help children and parents find a club in their local area that meets FA standards.

The Charter Standard Scheme is best practice guide that sets

• standards of coaching,
• administration
• child protection for clubs working with young people.

As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the playing experience for all. The programme, supported by FA Community Partner McDonald's, was launched in February 2001 and is a core component of The FA Football Development programme. The project is aimed at boys and girls under sixteen years old and will help children and parents find a club in their local area that meets FA standards

The FA, in conjunction with various bodies, has drawn up the following set of criteria for clubs wishing to reach Charter Standard:

* A written constitution
* Self-certified screening of managers, coaches and officials
* All managers to have minimum of FA Junior Team Managers Award
* Commitment to attend in-service training
* Acceptance and promotion of Codes of Conduct
* Commitment to provide Mini-Soccer opportunities for Under 10's
* Commitment to promote schools liaison and equal opportunities for all

Benefits

Clubs that are successful in achieving the Charter will get access to a range of benefits:

* Use of Charter Standard Crest
* Exclusive Regional Workshops
* Access to Child Protection Training
* Kit and Equipment Grants
* National and Regional Awards
* Subsidies for FA Junior Team Managers and other courses
* Certificates
* Starter Pack, including posters, Codes of Conduct, Certificates
* First Aid Kit

(From the FA Website) .....

The FA Community Club scheme builds upon the foundations of the Charter Standard scheme in placing clubs at the heart of their community.

Community Clubs, the pinnacle of the club development pathway, will be those that have a high quality, multi-team (minimum of 10 teams) set up with excellent social, training and playing opportunities for all. As such, the number of Community Clubs is one of the truest measures of success for The FA Football Development strategy.

All new FA Community Clubs are required to meet FA criteria, ensuring they provide opportunities for players irrespective of age, gender, religion and ability. Clubs must also provide qualified coaches, first aiders and child protection officers.

All clubs that meet the criteria and achieve FA Community Club status will receive a host of benefits, including:

- FA Community Club Kitbag that includes balls, bibs, cones as well as an FA Community Club plaque

- Opportunities for tickets for England youth and women's internationals.

- Access to a bi-annual newsletter.

Although gaining Community Club status cannot guarantee funding from the Football Foundation for facility improvement, gaining the kite-mark has already been a significant factor in assisting clubs funding applications by providing evidence of a commitment to providing a sporting facility for use by the entire community.

Becoming an FA Community club should be the ultimate goal for hundreds of clubs at grassroots level. The FA is help you achieve that goal!