CRICKLADE Youth Football Club is celebrating after being awarded the FA Charter Standard.

The end of season presentation evening at Cricklade Town Hall on Saturday saw the club receive the accolade from Wiltshire County FA members Barrie Stevens and Keith Cooper (former Premiership referee).

Clubs have to demonstrate extremely high standards in all areas of the club, from coaching to making sure child protection issues and procedures are fully understood and carried out.

Club chairman Pete Johnson said: "I think there are around 10 other clubs in Wiltshire to have been awarded the Charter but we were the first. I suppose it's football's equivalent of a kite mark."

Saturday's event was the second such presentation, the mini-soccer awards having been handed out a fortnight ago.

This time it was the turn of the players in the under 12 through to under 17 sections all compete in the Cirencester and District League.

Among the awards handed out were most improved player and the player's player accolade.

Mr Johnson said: "One youngster received an award for attending all the training sessions and matches even though he was injured.

"It gave us the chance to reflect on a very successful season.

"Three of our teams won the most sporting team award in their respective leagues and the under 17s won their league."

Mr Johnson said everyone at the club was looking forward to the new campaign with nine teams set to compete for honours in 2003-4.