LOWER BEEDING LIONS
Junior Football Club

                            
Issue 26   - Newsletter – August 2008
         www.lowerbeedinglions.co.uk

LOWER BEEDING LIONS
 FOR ACHIEVING CHARTER STATUS!
After months of hard work behind the scenes, it is with great pleasure to inform you that we have been one of the few youth clubs in the Horsham League to be awarded charter status.
Our success is down to the willingness of our coaches to achieve and maintain the qualifications they have, and their general motivation to teach and play football.
 This is a testament to what a well run club we have become, with a strong group of Committee members playing a major part in providing structure, guidance and funding, allowing the coaches to do what they do best.
What does ‘Charter Status’ mean?
The FA Charter Standard Programme provides recognition that clubs are well run and sustainable, with child protection and safety paramount. It also recognises a club's commitment to coaching, player and coach development, and the raising of standards of behaviour in the game.
 The programme provides a benefit for everyone in the game, coaches, volunteers, parents, but most importantly the players.
As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the playing experience for all. Clubs are the heartbeat of football in this country. That is why The FA Charter Standard club programme, which raises standards and recognises and rewards quality, is so important.

"This last season has seen a major step forward for the Club. We have attracted grants from the Saxon Weald Community Scheme, Horsham District Council and the Football Foundation. Their support for "grass roots" football has helped the Club enormously on it's path to acquire Charter Status."
James Woodlock - Club Secretary

"Our primary concern is for the welfare and safety of our players and to provide an acceptable environment where our coaches can concentrate on their role with the children. The grants, that have so generously been given, have helped us to significantly improve the quality of our kit and equipment making the whole business of training and playing football safe and fun".
Mark Hayter Club - Chairman

Criteria and Benefits
 Criteria

The FA, in conjunction with various bodies, has drawn up the following set of criteria for clubs wishing to reach Charter Standard:

• A written constitution
• FA CRB checked volunteers
• All managers to have minimum of FA Level 1 Coaching Course
• Commitment to attend in-service training
• Acceptance and promotion of Codes of Conduct
• Commitment to provide Mini-Soccer opportunities for Under 10s
• Commitment to promote schools liaison and equal opportunities for all

Benefits

Clubs that are successful in achieving the Charter will get access to a range of benefits:

• Use of Charter Standard Crest
• Exclusive Workshops
• Umbro Kit and Equipment Grants
• National and Regional Awards
• Access to FA McDonald's coaching awards 
• Certificates
• Starter Pack, including posters, Codes of Conduct, Certificates

It is wonderful to enter the new season with this award and we will continue to work hard to maintain the high standards that we have set.
Don’t forget to visit our website www.lowerbeedinglions.co.uk for all the info you need regarding our club, including, registration, fixtures, results etc. and remember to read our weekly match reports as they appear!
As our club continues to grow, we now have expanded to accommodate the following age groups:
U6/7’s – Phil Keen
U8’s – Luke Aldrich
U9’s – Craig Robinson
U10’s – Paul Daymond
U11’s - Paul Rogers/Paul Dollner
U12’s – Clive Pyzer
U13’s – Mark Bailey
U16’s – Roy Wicking