Dartford FC has not only had its prestigious FA Charter Standard renewed but has been successful in achieving one of the top levels, that of a Development Club.
The FA Charter Standard raises standards and recognises quality within football clubs. It promotes well run, sustainable clubs but also places great emphasis on a commitment to coaching. It is particularly targeted towards grass roots level to ensure that the players and coaches of tomorrow achieve the support and development that they need today. The higher the standard the greater the depth, structure and vision the club has.
A delighted Club chairman, Dave Skinner said “This award displays the club’s commitment to grassroots football in the area and it is pleasing to see that the club’s hard work has been rewarded with such a prestigious award”.
The Award allows all teams of Dartford FC to show their accreditation of the FA Charter Standard by displaying the logo. This makes a statement to the public that the club is a well managed, safe and secure place for their children to be, where all coaches are CRB checked, appropriate numbers are first aid trained, and the standard of coaching is at a higher level than most. We are now also eligible for on going additional support from the Kent FA.
Mark Brenlund, Director in charge of the FA Charter Standard for DFC said “With the club developing both on and off the pitch, it was a natural progression to turn attentions to the youth set up. The Charter Standard helps to focus the direction the Club wants to proceed in and allows achievable targets to be set and monitored. I am proud that we have achieved another milestone and I am sure that this will assist in improving the youth coaching and playing standard which, in turn, will hopefully lead to a greater number of players making it to the First Team”.
Kent County Football Development Officer, Lee Suter who was on hand to present the award on Saturday prior the home game against Sutton United at Princes Park praised the club by saying “Dartford FC has worked extremely hard to meet The FA’s criteria and having this award will benefit everyone involved within the club as well as the local community. The club development plan clearly demonstrates ambition and determination to ensure success on and off the pitch.”
A special mention must go to both Simon and Genene Copley who devoted a significant amount of their time to help achieve this status. Mark Brenlund explained “Simon and Genene have been absolute stars. The time they spent working with me to achieve this Award has been tremendous. Without them this Award would have been significantly more difficult and time consuming then it already was.”
For more details on the FA Charter Standard scheme please contact lee.suter@kentfa.com or visit www.kentfa.com/development.