The London FA is delighted to announce that London County Saturday Youth Football League (LCSYFL) have been awarded England Football Accreditation League status. LCSYFL is the third league to achieve England Football Accreditation, formerly FA Charter Standard, this season.

The league has been facilitating recreational football for youth and adult clubs since 1956. The league has 275 teams playing across several divisions with almost 4000 players in the league. We spoke to the league secretary and accreditation lead, Joshua Lino-Da Costa & Stephen Adams, about achieving England Football Accreditation.

Joshua Lino-Da Costa, LCSYFL Secretary: "The LCSYFL has taken strides over the past few years at making youth football a safe and enjoyable experience. The volunteers over the past few years have worked tirelessly to help us become accredited and it is thanks to the combined efforts of current and former officers and the truly amazing clubs who play in our league that we have finally achieved this. We want to thank the London FA for all the support they have shown over the years and look forward to carrying on our fine work in support of the young children we support."

Stephen Adams, accreditation lead LCSYFL said: "Having the league be accredited has been a long held aim for us at LCSYFL. We believe that football should be fun for all involved, players, coaches spectators etc…but not at the cost of compliance to the numerous requirements that must be adhered to especially in youth football. We approached the process with some trepidation but with Niamh at LFA helping every step of the way and much to the credit of our member clubs we comfortably met the criteria. Moving forward we hope this helps the league and all member clubs raise the standard both on and off the pitch and are excited to see what we continue to achieve together."

Paul Bickerton, London FA CEO, said: "Many congratulations to the London County Saturday Youth Football League for achieving the England Club Accreditation. This is worthy recognition of all the excellent work they do to support the development of grassroots youth football in the capital. Affiliated youth football has almost doubled in London over the past three years and an important factor in this is the excellent competitive opportunities afforded to young players by leagues like the London County Saturday Youth Football League."

Nathan Batchelor, FA National Grassroots Leagues Services Manager, commented: "It is testament to the commitment and progressive attitude of this league and its member clubs that the league is able to attain England Football Accredited League status. The league should be applauded for embracing this process and demonstrating that they are constantly striving to improve, for players, coaches, referees and clubs."

The dedicated and experienced committee plan to continue supporting their clubs to achieve England Football Accreditation. We are delighted to be able to recognise and reward the league for all the hard work that has gone into improving and growing the provisions and we look forward to working together in the years to come.

The England Football Accredited League is an accreditation that sets an operational benchmark for FA sanctioned leagues. This is awarded to leagues which can demonstrate their commitment to provide well organised football in safer, more inclusive environments.

To find out more about becoming an England Football Accredited League or Club, click here, or contact Niamh Coyle at Niamh.Coyle@LondonFA.com