The FA is proud to make Charter Standard part 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.

There are two different entry levels of FA Charter Standard club accreditation:

FA Charter Standard Youth

FA Charter Standard Adult

Advanced levels are for clubs who look to grow participation, involve a variety of different people and offer different formats in their football environments.

FA Charter Standard Development is aimed at clubs who are enhancing the quality and scope of their football offering

FA Charter Standard Community acknowledges the most advanced level of club development and football provision

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.

Clubs and leagues work in partnership with County FAs to meet the criteria needed to achieve the accreditation. From 2018 funding toward The FA Level 1 Coaching Football qualification is available for clubs.

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. The level of support and resources available 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 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. 

Stay Proud to be The FA Charter Standard accredited

Annual Health Check 2018-19 - now open!

It’s time for all FA Charter Standard clubs to make sure that their people and policies are up to the standard to make them the best possible place to play and enjoy football.

In a change for this year the annual health check window will be open from 1 September 2018 until 31 January 2019. All clubs must have completed their annual health check before 31 January 2019.

To start your annual health check log into The FA Whole Game System.

STAY PROUD - START YOUR CLUB ANNUAL HEALTH CHECK NOW

What is The FA Charter Standard?

Charter Standard is open to grassroots football Clubs and Leagues. The programme is open For All and includes adult, youth, male and female formats.

The programme encourages improvement across grassroots football. Clubs who achieve The FA Charter Standard are able to demonstrate they have what it takes provide the best standard of grassroots football.

Charter Standard helps clubs develop policies and practices making them proud to provide football in a safe environment and where competitive football is fun and open to everyone.

This means clubs are better placed to attract and retain players - helping them to grow sustainably.

Help and support meeting the criteria is available to Clubs and Leagues. For the first time funding is available for clubs to go toward The FA Level one coaching qualification.

To find out more about becoming FA Charter Standard accredited click here.

Clubs and leagues who achieve The FA Charter Standard status receive additional support and resources from The FA and County FA including:

• Promotional resources
• Football equipment
• Support from The FA and County FAs

Our County FA is set up to help clubs and leagues to achieve The FA Charter Standard accreditation.

DOES YOUR CLUB WANT TO BECOME PROUD TO BE THE FA CHARTER STANDARD ACCREDITED?

To start your journey contact your local County FA today.