Sports celebrate off the field as well as on it

Mickleover Sports are celebrating becoming the latest Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club to achieve FA Charter Standard Adult Club status.

It's fair to say the Sports have had a good March after going on a run of six wins and a draw to challenge for promotion. And before being named as the Evo-Stik NPL's First Division South Club of the Month on Sunday for their success on the pitch, they were honoured off it in front of their fans for their work in meeting the FA's benchmark criteria and standards.

The Derbyshire FA’s Liam Rooney is pictured presenting the accolade to Sports Secretary Tony Shaw and joint manager Glen Kirkwood before kick off in one of their key victories in recent weeks, the 2-1 win over Chasetown at The Raygar Stadium on Saturday 22 March.

The Evo-Stik NPL was awarded FA Charter Standard League status itself in March and more than 80 per cent of member clubs now bear the FA’s kite mark for quality. Like all those who’ve earned the award, the Sports had to demonstrate they are well run and sustainable with a significant emphasis placed on child protection, quality coaching and safety.

Clubs also need to show a commitment to raising standards to create a positive experience for players, coaches, match officials administrators and volunteers and the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League is aiming to see every club achieve FA Charter Standard status.

At least eight other clubs in recent months have climbed onto the first rung of the FA’s three tier charter standard ladder. Along with the Sports, Buxton, Ilkeston FC, Droylsden, Frickley Athletic, Brigg Town, Gresley, Salford City and Wakefield have all achieved FA Charter Standard Adult Club status with ‘Development Club’ and the most advanced level, ‘Community Club’, next up.