Team Matlock hailed by chairman

Matlock Town’s Chairman Tom Wright has praised the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club’s officials, staff and volunteers for earning the Gladiators their new FA Charter Adult Club Standard status.

The Premier Division club passed the Football Association’s benchmark criteria before Christmas and last Saturday supporters saw their club’s community efforts officially acknowledged at half-time during the 2-0 victory over Droylsden.

Gladiators official Tony Knowles is pictured alongside Derbyshire FA Vice-Chairman Alan Smith after he presented Town’s Chief Executive Keith Brown, right, with a plaque and certificate recording the club meeting the FA's benchmark criteria and standards.

Speaking this week after the presentation, Wright said: "We were absolutely thrilled to learn we had reached Charter Standard. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes from the first team level down through the reserves and U19s to our numerous junior sides. Everyone involved has played their part in this success."

Like all clubs, to earn the award the Gladiators had to demonstrate that 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.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League is encouraging all members clubs to gain the award with the aim of eventually being recognised as an FA Charter Standard League. At least eight other clubs in recent months have climbed onto the first rung of the FA’s three tier charter standard ladder, Buxton, Ilkeston FC, Droylsden, Frickley Athletic, Brigg Town, Gresley, Salford City and Wakefield all having achieved FA Charter Standard Adult Club status.