'Proud day' for delighted Droylsden

Droylsden have yet to get it right on the pitch this season but the game’s governing body still believes the Bloods are heading in the right direction after they became the latest Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club to be awarded FA Charter Standard Adult Club status.

Delighted officials at the Butcher’s Arms received formal notification from the FA on Friday, hard on the heels of First Division South Gresley FC who earned the award on Monday and a number of other clubs in recent months as the Evo-Stik NPL itself targets achieving FA Charter Standard League status.

Droylsden’s Chairman and manager Dave Pace called the news another ‘proud day’ and praised the club’s staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.

Thanking the NPL for its support in achieving the FA’s benchmark, he said: “Droylsden have struggled on the field this season and it would have been very easy to let things slide off it as well but thanks to the motivation given by the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League to help clubs achieve this and a lot of hard work behind the scenes, we have gained recognition for the quality and commitment Droylsden FC puts into everything it strives to achieve.

"My thanks go to everyone involved in the smooth running of the club which enables us to welcome everyone attending at the Butchers Arms. I have always been proud of this club and the heights it has reached. This is another proud day, not only for me, but all involved with Droylsden FC."

Club development is an integral part of the FA’s National Game Strategy with three levels of FA Charter Standard status to aim for – Adult Club, Development Club and the highest, Community Club.

Other Evo-Stik NPL clubs to earn the FA’s accreditation on the first rung of the ladder in the last three months include newly-minted Buxton, Frickley Athletic, Ilkeston FC, Matlock Town, Brigg Town, Gresley, Salford City and Wakefield.

All passed the FA’s strict criteria by demonstrating their on-going commitment to raise standards and provide positive experiences for players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers alike.