A VILLAGE junior football club is among the first in the country to receive a prestigious new award from the Football Association.

Salterforth Junior Football Club is one of just six clubs in the North West and only 40 nationwide to receive the Standard Charter award. It is aimed at developing grass roots football by standardising and improving coaching for young players.

On Sunday, a special celebration was held for everyone connected with the club, and it was there that another major announcement was made.

After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, it was announced that the club will merge with one of West Craven's top senior sides, Barnoldswick Park Rovers.

The link-up will create the ability to take promising young players from an under-sevens side right through to senior football, with continuous training and development. It is a major step forward for both clubs, aimed at raising the standard of the game in West Craven.

Sunday's event, held at the West Craven Sports Centre, was a way for the Salterforth club to share its success with the FA award and break the news of the merger.

Coaches Tony Holian and Rob Mitchell travelled to the FA's Lancashire headquarters in February to receive the Charter Award from Liverpool and England star Jamie Redknapp.

Tony commented: "It was a very proud moment for us, after all the hard work to achieve this recognition. We felt it fitting to share this with everyone at the club and this was the reason for the gathering on Sunday."

The club fields teams at under sevens, eights, nines, 10s, 11s, 12s and 14s, plus a junior girls' team. Every player and committee member received a certificate in recognition of their contribution to the club winning the FA award.

The announcement of the link-up with Barnoldswick Park Rover was also greeted with approval. In the past, talented young players have drifted away from the game in the perceived gap between the junior and senior game.

Tony Holian described the link-up as "a great opportunity to move the game forward".

He added: "Our intention is to access some funding from the lottery, football foundation and other funds.

"We have also commenced talks with Pendle Leisure and are working closely with them to develop the site at Victory Park - Park Rovers' ground. This will provide a first class facility for coaching boys and girls from Pendle, West Craven and Craven district.

"It is also our intention to forge links with all schools in the area to offer them our facilities and expertise. There is a lot of work to do yet, but we are going in the right direction and with everyone's help, however small, we can have something to be proud of."

Tony added special thanks to the club's existing sponsors and helpers.