A YOUTH football club from Cam going from strength to strength has now been awarded Charter Standard status by the Gloucestershire FA.

Cam Everside Youth Football Club , now in its 30th year, was awarded Charter Standard, a programme which recognises and rewards high quality levels of provision in club and league football, on Thursday, October 23.

Earlier this year a successful bid for a £50,000 grant was made to Sport England, which, along with funding from Cam Parish Council, will provide the team with brand new changing rooms.

Club chairman Andrew Colliver said: “Being awarded the Charter Standard demonstrates to all players, parents, sponsors and the public, that we are a well-organised club offering opportunities for all in a safe environment.

"Work has already started getting a coaching team in place for U6s at the start of next season as we look to grow the club in a sustainable fashion and continue to offer football from ages 5 through to 16.

"But above all, win or lose we want the children to play with a smile on their face.”

With nearly 240 children signed on and 17 teams it takes a large number of coaches and managers, all of whom give their time free of charge, to keep the club running.

Cam Everside players train on the artificial pitch at Rednock School three evenings a week, which costs around £6000 per year, and play their games at weekends on Jubilee Playing Fields, in Cam.

For many years Cam Everside has used the facilities at Jubilee which are owned by Cam Parish Council, including pitches and changing rooms.

Over this time a good working partnership has been established and maintaining the facilities is shared and costs to the club kept at a minimum.

The condition of the changing room units – portable buildings that were acquired second-hand over 20 years ago – has deteriorated over time.

Earlier this year a successful bid for a £50,000 grant was made to Sport England. This, together with funding from the Parish Council and contributions from developers building in the area, is enough to be able to provide brand new changing rooms.

This will have changing space for two teams plus referee, toilets, a small social area and kitchen facilities.

The new facilities will enhance the football experience for everyone associated with Cam Everside.

The building will be managed and maintained by the council and will be available for hire to other local clubs and organisations as well as the football club.

The building is hoped to be completed in spring 2015.

To find out more about Cam Everside Youth Football Club visit www.cam-everside.com or follow the team on Twitter @CamEversideYFC .