Fareham's Locks Heath Football Club becomes the first in the Borough to join the FA elite

Locks Heath Football Club near Fareham is celebrating after being awarded the coveted FA Charter Standard Award.

The FA Charter Standard Scheme is the best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League.

"Locks Heath FC prides itself in doing things the right way," said club Chairman Dougie Leask. "The Charter Standard is recognition that we as a club are on track and have a platform from which we can build and take the club forward.

"Charter Status shows that we have a good level of coaching on the field and have our administration and procedures in place off it.  But we are not resting on our laurels and are now pushing on with a development plan to improve our coaching qualifications in the club further so that young players in the area can continue to develop the technical skills they've been taught at their relevant youth club.

"So often when young players finish at their youth club the hard work and effort from their youth team managers is lost as the players go on to play local Sunday football with no real coaching or player development.  That's no disrespect to the many volunteers who run Sunday teams very well, but the approach and commitment from players at that level is not always what it should be and so player development is limited. 

"As the only Senior Football Club in the Western Wards we want to be able to offer a high standard of progression for all of the local Youth Football clubs to feed in to and provide the up and coming young players in the area with a higher level of football to aspire to and continue their development."

The club, which was formed in 1894, have played on the Locks Heath Recreation Ground for more than 70 years. They currently run a first team playing in the Hampshire Premier League, a Reserve Team playing in the Hampshire Combination League and an Under 18's Team who play in the Hampshire Youth League.

In 2008 the club also started a Veterans team for former players of the club. The VETS play friendlies against other local Veteran teams, where the emphasis is enjoyment, rolling back the years and enjoying the 3rd half in the clubhouse.

LHFC is now seeking to expand its activity with both ladies and veterans football and has over 70 members as well as 20 volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the club maintains progression. As a benchmark for quality the award will improve the playing experience for all.

Executive Member for Leisure and Community, Councillor Connie Hockley, said: "I am delighted that Locks Heath Football club have gained the Charter Standard, they are the first club to do so within the Borough and I hope many more will follow."