WESTBURY Youth FC has won the Wiltshire FA’s Charter Standard Development Club Award for 2014.
The scheme awards clubs and leagues that are well run, sustainable, and which give priority to quality coaching, child protection and safety.
Westbury Youth FC also won the award in 2009 and 2010. Club secretary Andy Jordan said, “It’s a fabulous award to win because it means we’re doing all the right things for all the right reasons.
“It’s all about making sure the club is well administered and contributing to the children’s development. We make sure all staff and volunteers are CRB checked, every team has a level one coach, and there are always emergency first aiders.
“Unfortunately we have limited facilities, but the way we utilise and maintain them ensures they’re of a high standard.”
Westbury Youth FC play at Redland Lane near Matravers School, but cannot progress to the next level of the scheme – the Community Club Award – because they do not have their own ground.
“We’d love to be able to have five or six pitches,” Andy said, “because we’re rapidly outgrowing our facilities. However, we will still aim to deliver the quality that the Community Club award demands, even if we can’t win it.”
The club is also trying to strengthen links with Westbury United, so the players can continue to develop when they leave the youth teams.
Tim Hall, of the Wiltshire FA said, “It’s fantastic to see Westbury Youth FC win the award.
“The club has fantastic provision of football with 19 teams ranging from U7s up to U18s including two female teams. They continue to promote a positive atmosphere whilst ensuring a modern approach to football, which in turn ensures that they as a club improve and raise standards.
“The club’s fantastic volunteers continue to dedicate their hard work and time and this award really recognises these efforts from all involved.”
Over 6,800 clubs have been awarded charter standard status, and are checked annually to ensure the standards of provision are maintained.
The award is sponsored by McDonald’s and is a kitemark that demonstrates to all members, parents, sponsors and the public, that the club is well-organised, safe, and offers opportunities for all.
