The Craven, Aire & Wharfe Junior Football League have become a Charter Standard League.

The league were presented with their certificate and a crystal award by West Riding County FA development officer Jo de Tute at Sandylands Sports Centre in Skipton.

The league had to satisfy six development areas, which reflected the approach of the National Game Strategy: growth and retention, raising standards and addressing behaviour, better players, workforce development and all goals and enablers.

League secretary Mike Breeze said: “Since the inception of the Charter Standard programme, the league have been encouraging member clubs to achieve the award.

“A 95 per cent success rate was achieved two years ago and it was considered appropriate to try and achieve Charter Standard status for the league itself.

“Considerable time has been spent by Ian Thornton and Kath Rickaby, members of the management committee, in drawing up the league statement for submission to the Football Association.

“Many requirements of the FA have already been achieved in advance of the award.

“Other targets for the league include retention of clubs and players; observance of the FA “Respect” policy; help for team captains to comply with their “Respect” responsibilities, short coaching sessions aimed at giving clubs ideas for improving sessions and help with improving club organisation.”

Picture: Craven, Aire & Wharfe Junior Football League president and co-founder Ken Isherwood and vice prisident and fellow co-founder Allan Cawood receive the FA Charter Standard League status from West Riding County FA development officer Jo de Tute, third from left. Also pictured are, flanking the trio, from left: Herbert Spencer (former chairman), Kath Rickaby, Steve Roberts, Ian Thornton and Mike Breeze (league secretary)