The FA Charter Standard programme is a kitemark, which recognises and rewards high quality levels of provision in club and league football. The kitemark is awarded to clubs and leagues that are well run, sustainable, which place child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount.
The FA Charter Standard kitemark was launched in 2001 and now has 4,500 clubs, with 460 advanced level Community Clubs and 120 leagues. The kitemark is a major focus of The FA’s £200 million FA National Game Strategy and has improved coaching, the number of girls’ football teams and safeguarding children.

There are three levels of FA Charter Standard Awards for clubs to recognise the different standards. The entry level is an ‘FA Charter Standard Club’, the next level is an ‘FA Charter Standard Development Club’ and the most advanced ‘FA Charter Standard Community Club’. Each advanced level requires additional criteria to be met.

Any club can apply for FA Charter Standard status, even a one-team club. The criteria is challenging, but is attainable for every club. Once awarded, FA Charter Standard clubs and leagues are given an annual health check to ensure the standards of provision are maintained.
Criteria for achieving the entry level award include having a trained Welfare Officer, CRB checks for all volunteers, Emergency Aid-trained volunteers linked to each team, Respect programme sign-up, a Level One coach for each youth team, appropriate club administration in place and a volunteer co-ordinator.

The ‘hidden’ benefits are key to most clubs working towards the kitemark. By achieving an FA Charter Standard Club Award, you are demonstrating to all members, parents, sponsors and the public, that you are a well-organised, safe Club offering opportunities for all.

Read more at http://www.liverpoolfa.com/clubs/charter-standard