Now, the National Game Strategy is taking the concept forward by introducing FA Charter Standard Leagues.
The concept behind Charter Standard Leagues underpins one of the four key goals of the National Game Strategy: to raise standards and improve behavior. By 2012, the aim is that 30 per cent of all Leagues will have achieved FA Charter Standard status (some 510 leagues), all adhering to the core principle which underpins the Charter Standard ‘brand’:
To offer everybody in grassroots football a high-quality, safe, enjoyable experience, that is nationally recognised.
To achieve FA Charter Standard League the following criteria must be met:
- 60% member teams are FA Charter Standard in year one, 80% in year two and 100% by the end of year three.
- Actively implementing the Respect Programme.
- Active Policies (Equality, Safeguarding etc)
- League Development Plan
- League Welfare Officer
- Minimum of three In-Service events for its members
- League Divisions to exceed no more than 12 teams
At this time The East Midlands Womens Football League, The KicKStart Youth Football League and The New Newark Youth Football League have attained FA Charter Standard League status.