Essex County FA Club Development Officer Ian Bent has invited grassroots clubs to join him on a leg of the forthcoming FA Charter Standard Workshop Tour, which will travel the region to provide a closer look at the advantages of working towards Charter status in 2012 and improving the local football environment for all participants.
Each corner of the County will receive a visit between now and the end of February as work continues to offer the best range of application opportunities for clubs in Essex. Starting at Colchester’s Shrub End and finishing at the County Office in Chelmsford, via Basildon, Dagenham and Southend, it will help clubs discover the benefits of the programme, such as exclusive in-service training events and Umbro vouchers.
Designed in 2001, the Charter Standard initiative was launched to improve grassroots football and make a difference in local communities around the Country. The scheme is a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League as a benchmark for quality. Essex has more than 250 clubs signed-up and over two thirds of the County’s youth teams are currently enjoying the programme’s merits.
“We hope to see clubs who are working towards the Charter Standard or those who’d like to find out more,” explained Ian. “The advantage of the Tour is that it enables us to go around the County and meet with clubs one-to-one and provide assistance, help with their applications and make things as simple as possible. Whether this is their first or last step along the process, I’m confident that attending a workshop will be of benefit to all clubs.”
Exclusive training workshops are amongst the incentives available to Charter Clubs and the list of events for 2012 is expected to be confirmed shortly. Ian added: “The wide range of topics, tutors and venues we’re able to organise means there is usually something for everyone. We’re about to release details of the next few dates, with more to come in 2012/13.”
To book a 20-minute time slot or learn more about the FA Charter Standard Award and how it can benefit your club, simply contact Club Development Officer Ian Bent on (01245) 393094 or via E-Mail at ian.bent@essexfa.com. Details on all aspects of grassroots football can be found at www.essexfa.com.
FA Charter Standard Workshop Tour
Monday 20th February, 6:30-8:30pm
Shrub End Sport & Community Centre, Colchester
Tuesday 21st February, 6:30-8:30pm
Selex Club, Basildon
Thursday 23rd February, 6:30-8:30pm
Goals Soccer Centre, Dagenham
Monday 27th February, 6:30-8:30pm
Len Forge Centre, Southend
Tuesday 28th February, 6:30-8:30pm
County Office, Chelmsford
