Eastbourne
Borough FC was one of the first clubs in the country to
achieve the Football Association Charter Standard, and the
first in Sussex to be designated a Community Club. The Charter
Standard was launched by the FA in December 2002, with the
aim to continuing the promotion and support of grassroots
football, by positioning local clubs at the heart of the
community. The initiative was launched in conjunction with
The FA's Community Partner McDonalds.
The FA's Community Clubs initiative is aimed at developing
the structure and quality of clubs, building on the foundations
of The FA Charter Standard Clubs Scheme.
All FA Community Clubs
are required to meet FA criteria, ensuring they provide
opportunities for players irrespective of age, gender,
religion and ability. Clubs must also provide qualified
coaches, first aiders and child protection officers.
The link between Eastbourne
Borough FC and Langney Point Junior Football Club, which
had already received its Charter Mark, enabled Eastbourne
Borough FC to achieve its Community Award, with facilities
and playing opportunities designated as appropriate by
the FA.
The Birth of Eastbourne
Borough Youth FC
In June 2003 Langney Point Junior FC formally linked up
with Eastbourne Borough to create the prospect of one
of the biggest football playing memberships on one site
in the country. Point had a playing membership of nearly
400, and from 2003/04 played as Eastbourne Borough Youth
FC, with the number increasing to approaching 600 by the
end of 2006/2007, and continues to grow .
Point chairman Bill Wheatley
said it was important that the town in general got behind
what Boro' were trying to achieve: "Eastbourne has
now been put on the football map, but it will be easier
to achieve greater heights with everyone supporting them.
Our name change will give out the message that we are
proud to support them on and off the pitch", he said.
Borough Youth will be
run separately from the senior club, with its own constitution
and code of conducts. A coaching structure is in place
giving more support to managers and coaches.
The chairman said he appreciated
the views of those keen to keep the Langney Point name.
"It has been a wonderful achievement to start with
one ball and 20 kids on Five Acres field," he said.
"We must not forget that there a lot of people past
and present who have given far too much of their lives
and time to help the club to where it is now. But I honestly
feel to adopt the Eastbourne Borough youth name will guarantee
our future existence. The new name will generate support
on and off the pitch to continue the work of those before."
"It has always been
our philosophy to strive to be the best we can, to give
the kids pride and a sense of belonging to a club to be
proud of. The name change is the best we can do for them;
I see an exciting future with endless opportunities for
all connected with Eastbourne Borough Youth FC."
The independent Eastbourne
Borough Youth FC web site is available here.
