Proud Bucks parade new FA status

They might have ended up losing 4-0 at home to AFC Fylde in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s Premier Division last Saturday but there were still plenty of smiling faces at Buxton on a day when the club's proud officials were finally able to show off their new status as an FA Charter Standard Adult Club.

The Premier Division's Bucks passed the FA’s strict criteria to achieve the benchmark club award towards the end of 2013 and Derbyshire FA official Brian Bond is pictured presenting their plaque and certificate to Buxton Chairman David Hopkins, left, and club secretary Don Roberts, on a very wet and blustery afternoon at Silverlands.

Hopkins, who was delighted to receive the honour on behalf of everybody at the club who'd worked to achieve it, said: "To receive this award is a great reward to all the people behind the scenes at the Silverlands in striving to keep the club progressing both on and off the pitch."

Club development is an integral part of the FA’s National Game Strategy and the Evo-Stik NPL is encouraging all its members to achieve the benchmark in order to eventually become an FA Charter Standard League.

The Derbyshire outfit are following in the footsteps of eight other Evo-Stik NPL clubs to earn the FA’s accreditation in recent months.

The Premier Division’s Frickley Athletic, Ilkeston FC, Matlock Town and Droylsden along with First Division South Brigg Town and Gresley plus Salford City and Wakefield in First Division North, have all become FA Charter Standard clubs by demonstrating their on-going commitment to raising standards and providing positive experiences for players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers alike.