Brimington United become an Adult Charter Standard Club

Brimington United received the FA Adult Charter Standard Award in March 2011 after club secretary Stephen Wapplington completed his FA Level 1 coaching award. The club itself is made up of club secretary Stephen Wapplington who is also the manager and coach. Daniel Brown is the Chairman of the club who attends every single game and training session. Kimberley Wapplington is the treasurer of the club and also a FA Level 1 coach. The club also have an assistant manager Gareth Glossop who assists on match days.

“This was a fantastic achievement for the club as it promoted the best practices that the club were already based on. A solid constitution, club structure and fully adhering to the FA Respect scheme. Applying for the award, seemed the natural thing to do, as it was a simple process because we had all requirements already in place. It is also an award recognised by the FA themselves and who wouldn't want to wear the '3 Lions' on their chest.” Stephen expressed his joy in gaining FA Charter Standard Status.

Before the club achieved the award they have had great success in the 5 years since they have been formed, clinching 3 back to back promotions with the pinnacle being Chesterfield and District Sunday League Division 7 Runners Up in 2009/2010.

On achieving the award the club were presented with a plaque confirming their FA Charter Standard status, along with a visit from the Derbyshire County FA to present this award and also £100 worth of Umbro vouchers that were used to purchase new luggage for kit, match balls, training equipment and subs jackets. Other benefits include free tickets to certain England games and the club has attended an U16 international match at the B2net which was a great team building evening. The club also received 2 tickets to an U21 match at the Riverside, again benefits that you would only get as a FA Charter Standard Club.

Since achieving the award the club has struggled in terms of results on the pitch but results off the pitch have been staggering. The FA Charter Standard Award has enabled the club to train up 2 more coaches to FA Level 1, both of whom will be involved in the expansion of the club in the near future. The club secretary has enhanced his coaching skills through regular FA Charter Standard in service events run by the Derbyshire CFA and also some other important coaching courses available for free to all FA Charter Standard clubs, including a very useful Mentoring Adults Course. The club also have 2 other FA Level 1 coaches that did their training elsewhere who will also be part of the Brimington United coaching team going forward.

The focus on improving coaching has been a good incentive to young players moving into adult football and the club has had success with 6 players coming straight from youth football and who are now integral parts of the team. Training sessions are structured rather than just a kick about in order to improve skills, but the younger players feel more secure in a club being ran just as good as the youth team they left.

What's next for Brimington United? The club have a long term development plan in place to start a U7's team and a girl’s team. The thought process behind continuing to work heavily with the adult side in the short term is that not only will it be a destination for young players moving into adult football, but all coaches will fully understand the 'end game’, which youth teams constantly work towards, so in essence when the U7's team start, Brimington United will have some of the most skilful and qualified coaches at that level of football. The club are also trying to forge club links with local clubs in the area, hopefully running pre season training sessions for all players looking to make the step up from U16 to adult football.

“There is a preconception that the FA Charter Standard award is for youth football, however this is not the case and based on current experiences, more adult clubs should look to achieve this award, especially if we are to keep players in the game. It is also a very straight forward process. If you have a FA Level 1 coach in your club and you have the required constitution, Respect scheme and financial accounts required to be affiliated to the DCFA, then the process is simple.” Stephen Wapplington.

If you are interested in becoming an FA Adult Charter Standard Club then please contact;
Pete Collins or download the application form with this article
Football Development Officer (Education|Adult|Flexible Formats|Small Sided)
01332 361422 (Option 1)
pete.collins@derbyshirefa.com