The FA Charter Standard Programme is The FA’s accreditation scheme open to all grassroots clubs* and leagues**.

It aims to raise standards in the grassroots game, supporting the development of clubs and leagues, recognising and rewarding commitment, quality and achievement.

These are the clubs and leagues who demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football. Those who achieve The FA Charter Standard are proud to prioritise qualified coaching and safeguarding as well as the values of The FA’s Respect programme as part of their game.

Interim FA Charter Standard club accreditation criteria 2020/21

COVID-19 has impacted on The FA’s and County FA’s ability to offer face to face education. Interim requirements for The FA Charter Standard club accreditation criteria (coaching, first aid and safeguarding) are in place for the season 2020/21 .

Long term plans are being made to offer alternative, sustainable delivery models however it is necessary to make temporary changes for the 2020/21 season. These apply to new and existing FA Charter Standard accredited clubs.

We encourage all clubs to explore the opportunity to become FA Charter Standard accredited, qualifying the relevant individuals to make the on-pitch environment a safe place and putting in place the policies and documents off-pitch to make sure they are built to last. When the time comes there will be an expectation and commitment for all accredited clubs to get back to, maintain or raise the standards and requirements that make The FA’s kitemark accreditation programme PROUD to be the best.

To view the interim criteria for 2020/21 please download this document 

*Any club affiliated to a County FA that play in the National League System and below, likewise for women’s clubs that play outside the Women’s Super League (BARCLAYS FA WSL) and Women’s Championship (FA WC), tier 3 and below, can apply. Clubs must have at least one team playing within an FA sanctioned league.
**Any league sanctioned to a County FA that are the National League System and below, likewise for women’s clubs that play outside the Women’s Super League (BARCLAYS FA WSL) and Women’s Championship (FA WC), tier 3 and below, can apply.

Club Accreditation

There is a minimum entry criteria clubs must satisfy both on-pitch and off-pitch. For the 2020/21 season we have introduced an interim criteria to support clubs to become accredited whilst we navigate through an impacted landscape because of the coronavirus pandemic. When the time comes there will be an expectation and commitment for all accredited clubs to get back to, maintain or raise the standards and requirements that make The FA’s kitemark accreditation programme PROUD to be the best.

On-pitch we look for the relevant individuals to hold certain qualifications to ensure they are educated, equipped and empowered to make the training and match day environment a great one.

Off-pitch we ask clubs to have relevant policies and documents in place to ensure they are structured correctly and built to last. FA templates of these policies and documents are available to adopt.

To view the minimum criteria all clubs must be able to demonstrate please click here

As a County FA we are here to support you to understand the steps it takes to become accredited and assist you along the way. To start your application please contact Luke Baker via luke.baker@kentfa.com

League Accreditation

There is only one level of accreditation leagues can apply for. The criteria focus on the league having the following:

• a 3-year development plan
• a minimum percentage of member clubs accredited with an ambition to grow this percentage
• implementation of The FA’s Respect Programme, 
• a focused Referee Officer
• an active link with other leagues to support players to find relevant places to continue playing their football.

TO VIEW THE MINIMUM CRITERIA ALL CLUBS MUST BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE PLEASE CLICK HERE

As a County FA we are here to support you to understand the steps it takes to become accredited and assist you along the way. To start your application please contact Luke Baker via luke.baker@kentfa.com