A SPECIAL FA award was presented to Wey Valley Youth Football Club last Friday.

The club is only the second in Hampshire to be granted the Charter Standard Development Club status.

Around 25 players from teams of various age groups, club officials, Whitehill Town Mayor Faith Thomas and local councillors gathered at the Forest Community Centre to celebrate the clubÕs success.

The award is a formal recognition and full accreditation of the club under the FAÕs recently-launched initiative to significantly improve the quality and competence of youth football clubs in the UK.

The FAÕs development manual states: ÒThe Football Association has developed a three-year strategic plan to support grass roots clubs including the implementation of the Effective Football Club Administration Scheme, a volunteer strategy, a coach education programme and FA child protection training courses for managers and officials.Ó

And the FA believes that with its support, and that of the local county football development officers, clubs across the UK can achieve either Charter Standard or Charter Standard Development Club status.

Wey Valley currently has 24 teams, with footballers ranging from ages five to 17, around 50 FA qualified coaches, 17 qualified referees and a host of support staff.

As a voluntary organisation, Wey Valley YFC is grateful to both Whitehill Town Council and East Hampshire District Council for grants, which have enabled it to provide the necessary courses to receive the special award.

Chairman Nigel Welch said he was Òvery proudÓ to accept the FAÕs award which he felt was Òrichly deservedÓ.

ÒIn my time as chairman, I have seen the club flourish and grow very rapidly - so we must be doing something right,Ó he said.

ÒThe club, originally known as Alexandra Colts, has been around in the Bordon area for something in excess of 30 years and we are now among the largest youth football clubs in Hampshire.

ÒIn the last three years we have seen dramatic growth in the number of players coming into mini soccer and particularly pleasing is the establishment and growth of girls football in which we now have six teams operating.

ÒThe clubÕs success and financial stability is thanks to sound management and a raft of sponsors. We have an administrative ethos and structure which many small to medium sized businesses would be jealous of.

ÒEverything we do is acutely focussed on the boys and girls participating in and enjoying their football.Ó