The Trelawny Football League has become the first adult football league in Cornwall to achieve the FA Charter Standard League status. 

The award is recognition from the Football Association that the league and its affiliated clubs meet criteria regarding governance and infrastructure that is aimed at raising the minimal levels of safety and enjoyment within grassroots football.

In order for the League to attain the award it required over 60 per cent of all affiliated teams to achieve the FA Charter Standard ‘adult club’ status. 

This was administered by the League’s FA charter standard co-ordinator with support from Phil Cardew, who is the Cornwall County Football Association (CCFA) development officer. 

The League, in conjunction with the CCFA, has provided all clubs with the opportunity to attend support evenings and emergency first- aid courses to help them meet the FA criteria.

Trelawny League FA charter standard co-ordinator Andrew Plenty said: “Achieving FA Charter Standard League Status is fantastic for the League. 

“Whether a small village football club or a Senior Club with their Reserves or Third team in the League; the criteria were exactly the same, as are all the benefits -  37 of our 63 clubs achieved the adult club status and they will now decide along with the League on what support package the league will receive from the FA."

The league was presented with the award before the Percy Stephens Cup Final at Kellaway Parc, home of Helston Athletic Football Club, on Sunday, May 19. 

Those clubs who achieved the adult club status were represented and received their individual club awards from Lucy Wellings, FA regional manager. 

Miss Wellings then presented the league award to Mr Plenty, who accepted on behalf of the League Committee.

Miss Wellings said: “There are three main things the award brings for the league: the opportunity to access FA resources to support club development, and there’s more opportunity for funding help with club and player development, but probably most important is its ethos about creating a better environment for referees and players.

Every club in the league has put in a tremendous amount of work, and this is a real testament to them.”

Dawn Aberdeen, Cornwall FA, chief executive added: “It is our collective responsibility to promote and strive for higher standards in the grassroots game. This can only be achieved with the support of leagues, clubs and ultimately the hard working volunteers in the county. The Trelawny League should be commended for its commitment to ensuring a quality experience for all involved in grassroots football in Cornwall.”