Shirebrook Town have announced that they have achieved FA Charter Standard Club Adult Club status.

The Charter Standard Club Programme was established by the FA in February 2001 to provide recognition that clubs are well run, sustainable, with child protection and safety paramount.

It also recognises a club's commitment to coaching, player and coach development and the raising of standards of behaviour in the game.

Shirebrook Deputy Chairman Kevin Meredith says the club began the process over two years ago and, after a slow start, club secretary Aimee Radford has been the one largely responsible for giving the project the final push it needed to ensure their application was successful.

In presenting the club with their prestigious award and certificate at Langwith Road last night, Derbyshire County FA Governance Operations Manager Nigel Smith said: "It's paramount that hard working volunteers come together to work together to create a better environment for playing football, for coaches and, of course, for raising standards of behaviour. So on behalf of Derbyshire FA, it's a great award to achieve and congratulations to all at Shirebrook."

Meanwhile, Shirebrook Chairman Gary Meredith couldn't hide his obvious delight at the club's achievement, saying, "It's been hard work, but it's been very worthwhile. The FA Charter Standard Club award will help us promote a positive image of the club, whilst at the same time opening up avenues to previously unavailable much-needed funding for the club."

FA Charter Standard Club status is subject to an annual health check, as part of re-affiliation, and this will include Shirebrook tracking qualifications of volunteers and ensuring that the club is maintaining the standard of the award.