The Lincolnshire FA Walking Football League has become one of the first walking football leagues nationally to obtain FA Charter Standard League status.

The FA Charter Standard Programme is The FA’s accreditation scheme open to all grassroots clubs and leagues. It aims to raise standards in the grassroots game through supporting the development of clubs and leagues and also recognises and rewards commitment, quality and achievement. The clubs and leagues who achieve The FA Charter Standard demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football. They are proud to prioritise qualified coaching and safeguarding, as well as the values of The FA’s Respect programme as part of their game.

Jake Park, Lincolnshire FA Football Development Officer, said: “We’re delighted to become an FA Charter Standard accredited league; it shows the intent and willingness to raise standards and to ultimately offer the best possible playing environment to our member clubs. The league has established a progressive, forward-thinking committee who will now plan and look forward to delivering a variety of projects and best practise initiatives.”

The Lincolnshire FA Walking Football League is operating a single ‘Over 60’ division in its inaugural season that will see four fixture dates at four separate football foundation sites across Lincolnshire starting in June.