The FA Charter Standard Clubs programme provides national recognition to those clubs that demonstrate:

• Required standards

• Raising standards

• Reaching excellence

• There are three awards, each with their own targets and status for which clubs can aim.

FA CHARTER STANDARD CLUBS

Available for both youth and adult clubs, however youth clubs must demonstrate;

• Management

• Child Protection

• Qualified Coaches

• Codes of Conduct

• Insurance

FA CHARTER STANDARD DEVELOPMENT CLUB

Must have met the criteria for charter standard club and must also have;

• At least 5 teams at 4 different age groups

• Football Development Plan

FA CHARTER STANDARD COMMUNITY CLUB

This award is the pinnacle of the Charter Standard programme.  In addition to meeting all of the charter standard criteria above, clubs need;

• 10 teams youth to adult

• Mini Soccer

• Boys and girls teams

• 3-5 year Football Development Plan

Worthing Town Youth FC became Worthing's first Charter Standard Club in 2003 when it achieved Development Club status.  The club become a Community Club on 14 March 2008..