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Coventry City Join Charter Standard Celebrations Coventry City FC will lend their support to the FA Charter Standard Programme as they join with Nationwide Building Society and the Birmingham County FA in congratulating one of the first clubs in the region to reach the standards set by football's governing body. Representatives from Nuneaton-based Chetwynd FC will be presented with their Charter Standard Certificate pitchside at halftime of the Nationwide League fixture between Coventry City and Crewe this Sunday 21st October. "By joining forces with Coventry City, we hope to highlight the way in which the FA Charter Standard is helping build a better future for young footballers," said BCFA Spokesperson Antonia Lacey. "There are hundreds of clubs who have yet to register for the scheme, who we hope will be encouraged by the benefits it affords." The FA initiative is free to any club operating at U16 level and below, setting required standards in all areas of organising and running a football club, including Coach Education, Child Protection and Club Administration. Once these are met, the club is able to show potential sponsors and players that they are a safe, well organised outfit by displaying the Charter Standard logo. They also benefit from the opportunity to attend England Youth and Women's Internationals throughout the season. Chetwynd FC were formed 23 years ago and operate 12 teams for boys and girls aged from 6 to 18. With 8 FA Qualified Coaches and many more backroom staff, Club Chairman Ian Charlton is thrilled that the hard work put into their Charter Standard bid has paid off: "Any award worth having is bound to mean plenty of effort," he said. "But throughout the application process, you could sense that everyone felt incredibly strongly about what the scheme looks to achieve and that the hard work would be worthwhile. "To be presented with our certificate at Highfield Road is just unbelievable - most of our players are Coventry City supporters," added Ian. "It meant so much being one of the first Charter Standard Clubs, so this will be the icing on the cake!" Ian will be joined on the pitch at Highfield Road by Chetwynd Secretary, Graham Wilson and players from the club. They will receive their Charter Standard Certificate from Coventry City's Commercial Manager, Ric Allison, Nationwide Building Society Sponsorship Manager, Caroline Rees and BCFA PR Officer, Antonia Lacey. |