ALCESTER Athletic FC received their FA Charter Standard at a special ceremony at Coventry City's Highfield Road on Saturday.

More than 80 players and coaches from the club were invited to the Sky Blues' Coca Cola Championship match against Wolves to receive the FA Charter Standard Certificate.

The award presentation was made on the pitch at half time by Coventry City director Joe Elliott.

Alcester Athletic chairman Jim Kenyon said: "This is a fantastic day out for the children and is something that everybody connected with the football club can feel proud of.

"Our thanks go to the players and directors of Coventry City who have helped us to make this day so special.

"We hope this award might inspire other children to come and join Alcester Athletic Football Club and be part of the exciting things that are going to happen at our football club in the future."

The award has been made to the club in recognition of its professionalism following all of Alcester Athletic's managers and were fully qualified with the FA after passing relevant courses in coaching, first aid and child protection.

At present the club offers children the opportunity to play football from the age of six to 16 and has about 150 members on its books playing in the Mid and Central-Warwickshire Leagues.

Anyone interested in joining Alcester Athletic Football Club can attend their open day on Sunday, May 8, from 10am-12noon at their football pitches in Oversley Green, Alcester. For more details call secretary Adie Dipple on 01789 764129.