FAQs
Any club can get the support they need to apply for FA Charter Standard accreditation. FA Charter Standard accreditation demonstrates how clubs, leagues, volunteers, parents and players play their part in providing fun, safe and inclusive football opportunities for all.
As a minimum clubs must be affiliated to London FA and have at least one team playing in an FA sanctioned league.
It's free! The FA and London FA do not charge to become accredited. Clubs also receive benefits and incentives to achieve, maintain and progress their FA Charter Standard status.
Clubs which achieve FA Charter Standard status can be proud to be the best place for people to play and enjoy football.
They are able to demonstrate they offer positive football environments where people can develop their skills, keep fit and enjoy playing as part of a friendly, inclusive community.
FA Charter Standard clubs receive access to benefits that will help to attract and retain players, volunteers and supporters. The level of support and resources you receive will depend on the level of accreditation a club achieves. Benefits clubs experience include:
- Attract and retain players, supporters and volunteers
- Funding for football equipment
- Access to promotional resources and guidance
- Tailored support from The FA and London FA
- Access up to 30% Discount on Nike and Kitlocker
A club’s accreditation lasts for one season. An annual health check must be completed each year to review a club’s status - London FA staff will work with you to successfully complete this process.
The FA Charter Standard accreditation may be withdrawn if a club has a poor disciplinary record or no longer meets the criteria.
Clubs will work together with London FA to complete an FA Charter Standard application form and supporting evidence. Then we will review your application with a number of experienced individuals within the game. When a club meets the criteria they are awarded a relevant level of accreditation. Support is available to help clubs meet the standard.
Clubs should apply by clicking here
For advice and further information on Charter Standard, please contact your London FA Football Development Representative:
Laura Foster (laura.foster@londonfa.com) – Lambeth | Wandsworth | Bromley | Lewisham |Tower Hamlets | City of London | Southwark
Aquila Burgess (aquila.burgess@londonfa.com) - Hammersmith & Fulham | Kensington & Chelsea | Westminster | Islington | Camden | Haringey
Amanda Lewis (amanda.lewis@londonfa.com) – Bexley | Greenwich | Hackney | Newham | Waltham Forest
The criteria are detailed within the application form, with some relevant differences for youth and adult clubs. The criteria are based around having the following in place:
- Code of conduct and operational policies
- Coaching qualifications (youth only)
- Links, pathways and development plans
These criteria are designed to make clubs in the best place possible to play and enjoy football.
Higher levels of accreditation are available to clubs who offer above the minimum criteria. Clubs who achieve Community or Development status are given access to greater levels of support, benefits and equipment.
Leagues should contact their London FA Football Development Representative:
Laura Foster (laura.foster@londonfa.com) – Lambeth | Wandsworth | Bromley | Lewisham |Tower Hamlets | City of London | Southwark
Aquila Burgess (aquila.burgess@londonfa.com) - Hammersmith & Fulham | Kensington & Chelsea | Westminster | Islington | Camden | Haringey
Amanda Lewis (amanda.lewis@londonfa.com) – Bexley | Greenwich | Hackney | Newham | Waltham Forest
We will organise a meeting to help audit and assess your league. As part of this meeting we will identify outstanding objectives against the criteria and help leagues work toward meeting these.
FA Charter Standard League accreditation primarily offers leagues a process to raise standards.
The base criteria for achieving The FA Charter Standard League award are:
- 60% of teams in the league have Charter Standard Club status.
- Demonstrate support for new teams to achieve FA Charter Standard status
- Supporting and implementing The FA’s Respect campaign
- The Youth League Welfare Officer (youth leagues only) and League Referees’ Officer sit on the league committee
- Demonstrate active link to another league to support player development and transitional pathways
- After three years, have a minimum of 85% teams as members of FA Charter Standard clubs
We help make sure you are delivering the best offer possible for players to play in a safe, fun and inclusive environment, and support for the people who help run your teams.
If you are looking to raise standards in your league and use the huge influence of your league to affect change at grassroots level - FA Charter Standard is for you.