BREDON Colts FC is celebrating the achievement of a prestigious award from the Football Association.

The award of FA Charter Standard Development Club is deserved reward for the hard work put in behind the scenes by the hordes of volunteer administrators and coaches and to the enthusiasm of the more than 120 children who form the club's membership.

To achieve this level of recognition from the Football Association, all managers and coaches at the club had to complete FA coaching courses. Club officials attended child protection training and agreed to adhere to codes of conduct for club officials, spectators and players.

Originally formed in the 1970s as part of Bredon AFC, the Colts embarked on its own path in the two decades later in response to the changing face of youth and junior football both nationally and locally.

It has quickly established itself as one of the leading junior clubs in the region and, as a club solely responsible for the promotion of junior football, it has been able to encourage the ethos that football is fun.

Due to lack of space, Bredon Colts have been forced to set up its centres away from the village with which it shares its name although it does make a dramatic return once a year with its hugely popular six-a-side tournament.

They currently play their football at Eckington Recreation Centre, Ashchurch Army Camp and are hoping that they can begin to use a newly established facility at Beckford in time for the new season.

Bredon Colts currently run sides from under-8s through to under-14s and will be represented at under-11 level in a local girls league.

The Colts have also formalised a partnership with the long established Tewkesbury Soccer School based at Tirlebrook School, now to be known as the Bredon Colts Coaching Centre, which will provide quality football coaching for children from the age of five.

Current chairman, Andy Norman says: "Volunteers have put in a great effort to achieve this award. By completing first aid, child protection and football coaching training we are able to say to parents, that their children can play at the club in a safe environment and will receive quality football coaching.

"The club is indebted to numerous volunteers but in particular past chairman, Andrew Denton, and former club secretary, Derek Gibbs, for their great efforts over the past few years."

If you are interested in being a part of Bredon Colts success either as a player or by becoming a volunteer - administrative or coaching - then contact either Andy Norman on 01684 772924 or Andrew Denton on 01684 772538.