A Shipley football club is hoping to coach the David Beckhams and Michael Owens of the future after being granted a Football Association award.

Bolton Woods Junior Football Club has received the FA's Football Charter Development Standard Award from the West Riding County Football Association.

The club is the only one in Bradford to have been given the award, which means all coaches have to have FA coaching badges to a certain standard.

Councillor Tony Miller (Lab, Shipley East), the club's general manager, said the award would move the club forward and help develop grass roots football by improving facilities and the coaching of future players.

"This is an amazing achievement and well deserved," said Coun Miller. "Many people involved with Bolton Woods Juniors have worked hard over the last year and all the work has been worth the effort.

"Bolton Woods Juniors has been able to show to the FA that the club has adopted best practice for child safety as set out in the FA's policy.

"The guidelines cover first aid, safe play and emotional and physical protection amongst otherthings, in order to protect our young players.

"All coaches and managers have attended FA coaching courses and parents know their youngsters are in a safe environment.

"The entire club is looking forward to a successful and enjoyable future."

Players range in age from seven to 18 and the club, which has a ground and changing rooms in Gaisby Lane, plays in the Craven, Garforth and Keybury leagues.

With the award the club is looking to promote football for girls and has appointed a girls development officer who is aiming to start a team, added Coun Miller.