for more information: Antonia Lacey (0121 357 4278)

Birmingham County FA will join forces with the FA and Nationwide Building Society in congratulating five clubs at a special presentation evening at County HQ, Birmingham on Wednesday 3^rd October (7pm).

Rugby Town JFC, Glebe Farm Colts (Stetchford), Callowbrook Swifts (Rubery), Chetwynd AFC (Nuneaton) and Cottage Farm Rangers (Tamworth) are the first five clubs in the County to gain the FA Charter Standard, with Rugby Town and Glebe Farm Colts also scooping FA Charter Standard Regional Awards for good practice.

The programme, supported by England Team sponsor Nationwide was launched in February 2001, with the aim of setting standards of coaching, administration, development and child protection for football clubs working with young people. It is available free of charge to clubs operating at U16 level and below.

Rugby Town will also collect no less than two West Midlands Regional Charter Standard Awards – winners of the best Development Club and Best Coach in Dave Roche. Glebe Farm Colts and their Secretary Kevin Moss are also to be rewarded with the Best Charter Standard Administrator Award.

Birmingham County FA Chairman, Roger Wood will be joined by various representatives, including the FA National Club Development Manager, Les Howie and Nationwide Building Society Sponsorship Manager, Caroline Rees to present the successful clubs with their Charter Standard Plaques at County HQ.

Les Howie is looking forward to the Presentation Evening:

"The high quality of applications for these awards was amazing," he said. "Everyone should be immensely proud of their hard work, and the fantastic service that they are providing to local children and their community."

Meanwhile, BCFA Spokesperson, Antonia Lacey hopes the event will encourage more clubs to take advantage of the scheme:

"Any award worth having has to involve an element of hard work, so we didn’t want the efforts of these first five clubs who have reached the Charter Standard to go without recognition. Lets hope that others are encouraged to follow in their footsteps – and that we have plenty more presentations to make next time."