We are very proud to announce that AFC Rushden & Diamonds will start the new season as a fully fledged FA Charter Standard Club.
The FA Charter Standard programme, supported by McDonalds, is a kitemark, which recognises and rewards high quality levels of provision in club football. The kitemark is awarded to clubs that are well run, sustainable, which place child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount. The criteria is challenging and include having a trained Welfare Officer, CRB checks for all volunteers working with children, 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. By achieving the Award, we are demonstrating to all members, parents, sponsors and the public, that we are a well-organised, safe Club offering opportunities for all.
With the Community arm of the club, the former South Rushden Junior Football Club, also being a Charter Standard club, this award means that all the teams representing the club will be covered by the Charter Status.
The award will be reviewed annually to ensure the standards of provision are maintained.
Commenting on the award, Chairman Ralph Burditt said:
“Since we re-formed the club achieving Charter Standard has been a major aim, and one I’m delighted to announce that we have met so quickly. The Northants Football Association praised us on achieving this award and we, in turn, should praise Club Welfare Officer Stacey Hawkins and Club Secretary Dave Albon who have put a tremendous amount of work into achieving the Charter Standard award.”
The Charter Standard award is the first rung on the ladder with Charter Standard Development and Charter Standard Community club awards also available. The criteria for these two awards are even more challenging and the club will be looking closely at the steps we need to take to meet this criteria.
