The Charter Standard Scheme sets standards for coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Premier League and Football League. As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the playing experience for all.

The FA Community Club scheme builds upon the foundations of the Charter Standard scheme in placing clubs at the heart of their community.

Community Clubs, the pinnacle of the club development pathway, are those that have a high quality, multi-team (minimum of 10 teams) set up with excellent social, training and playing opportunities for all. As such, the number of Community Clubs is one of the truest measures of success for The FA Football Development strategy.

All new FA Community Clubs are required to meet FA criteria, ensuring they provide opportunities for players irrespective of age, gender, religion and ability. Clubs must also provide qualified coaches, first aiders and child protection officers.

Although gaining Community Club status cannot guarantee funding from the Football Foundation for facility improvement, gaining the kite-mark has already been a significant factor in assisting clubs funding applications by providing evidence of a commitment to providing a sporting facility for use by the entire community.

Becoming an FA Community club should be the ultimate goal for hundreds of clubs.