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. |
