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See links for ladies team
http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/s/2023184_hickman_hammers_hillingdon
http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/s/2022376_ladies_football_spoton_saints_reach_cup_final
Managers,
Coaches, Parents and Players
Following a lot of hard work preparing our submission, I am very proud to
say that the FA has just awarded Woodley Saints FC the 'FA Charter
Community Club' status. This is a great honour for the club as it is
the highest award we can receive from the FA. We are now one of a very small
number of clubs to hold this in the area.
What does it mean to us?
- As
well as recognising the efforts and successes of the club so far (for
example in growing the Development Centre for 5 and 6 year olds, ladies
/ girls teams and obtaining valuable training for the managers, coaches
and other volunteers), the award commits us to building for the future
of the game. For example, we need to consider plans for further
inclusion of disabled or disadvantaged groups and develop how we work
with schools and other community groups.
- Holding
FA Community Club status is prestigious and should help to set us apart
from other clubs when people are looking for a club to join.
- Whilst
it does not guarantee funding, the award usually helps to smooth the
path when applying for grants. Our Community status application was
closely linked to our request for funding the artificial pitches at
Berkshire Sports. We are asking for over half a million pounds
from the Football Foundation and would hope that this award helps us to
scale our largest barrier. All being well, with funding secured, we will
start work in September 2008 and work will be completed by early 2009.
I
consider this achievement a great milestone in the history of the club and
would like to thank everyone that has helped us to achieve this.
Further information on Community
Clubs can be found on the FA website at:
http://www.thefa.com/GrassrootsNew/CharterStandard/Club/Postings/2004/01/FACommunityClubs.htm