FA honour for AFC Oldham

handover: AFC Oldham 2005 secretary Bob Rowlandson (left) and player Curtis Murphy receive the FA Charter Standard Award from Stockport County striker Matthew McNeill and Andy Basterfield, of the Manchester County FA.

AFC Oldham 2005 are celebrating after being presented with the prestigious FA Charter Standard Award in recognition of their efforts at the grassroots level.

The club has only been in existence for three years and in that time has worked hard to improve standards of coaching, player development and protection and administration.

The award also recognises AFC Oldham’s promotion of better football practice, both on and off the pitch.

The club’s development officer Andy Rowlandson said: “This is a massive step forward for us.

“We now believe we can go on and achieve greater things in amateur football, while we are also aiming to develop the children of today into the stars of the future from or own local communities.”

Andy Basterfield, the football development officer for the Manchester County FA, also praised the fledgling club for their work.

“The FA Charter Standard acknowledges the excellent support that AFC Oldham 2005 are providing within the local community and their efforts to provide opportunities for players to develop their skills and play football in a safe and positive environment.

“The Manchester County FA are committed to raising the standards of football at grassroots level and the work and achievements of clubs such as AFC Oldham 2005 to make this possible.”