Coaches and youngsters of New Road FC who have just received the
FA Charter Standard Award

Sheerness youth side New Road Football Club are celebrating after being awarded a Charter Standard Award by the Football Association.

The mark recognises the quality of standards in coaching, administration and child protection in clubs outside the Football League.

After being founded in 1986, the club has grown significantly over the past three years under the guidance of secretary Daren Harrison and wife Debbie.

Mr Harrison 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.

"We have worked hard over the last three years bringing the club back into the footballing community and have grown from one team to five teams with another one to join next season."

New Road runs teams from under-7 to under-11s with an under-18 team in the pipeline. The club has 80 youngsters regularly representing the club and more than 20 volunteers keeping things going off the pitch.

Kent County football development officer Lee Suter praised the club, saying: "New Road FC has worked 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 FA want three-quarters of youth teams to meet the FA Charter Standard by 2012.

Suter added: "Club development is important to the Kent County FA and as an Association we are committed to football development and will continue to work with clubs in order to achieve the Charter Award."