FA National Award Press Release

Setting the Standard – Rewarding good practice in grass roots football.

Premier Soccer Centres are proud to announce they have received a National Award from the FA.

The FA Charter Standard programme is only awarded to schemes that provide a safe and quality football environment. In order to qualify they must meet the strict FA criteria in the technical Coaching Qualifications, coach/child ratio and safety based criteria related to Child Protection and use of equipment, etc.

Premier Soccer Centres, supported by Southampton FC, was set up by Dave Hunt and former Oxford United FC footballer Mark ‘Jonah’ Jones two years ago, providing children aged 4 – 13 with after school and school holiday football coaching courses.

Mark Jones said “our courses have always been of consistently high standard but this is recognition for the work put in by our coaches. This Award allows parents to make informed decisions when choosing a holiday course”.

Ted Mitchell, Oxfordshire’s Football Association Football Development Officer said “I have been working with Mark and Dave to ensure their courses meet the FA Charter Standard”. “We encourage parents to ask questions and to look for the FA kite-mark, so they know their child is safe”.

Mrs Juszczak, parent of Thomas and Ross who attend Premier Soccer Centre courses, said “my sons have been attending Premier Soccer Centre courses for some time and we have been really happy with the quality of coaching. There is a nice balance between the amount of time spent on learning skills and playing small-sided games. Mark, Dave and the other Premier Soccer Centre coaches have always been wonderful but it is reassuring to know that we can expect this high standard to be monitored”.