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Disabled football team get FA Charter Standard League Award

By Jonathan Low
October 15, 2012

A team of disabled footballers in Bracknell have achieved the prestigious FA Charter Standard League Award.

Bracknell Community Mental Health Football Team were awarded a plaque at Bracknell Leisure Centre by Jon Wood, representing Berkshire and Buckinghamshire FA.

The award is for clubs who meet set criteria, which includes having a trained welfare officer, CRB checks for all volunteers and emergency aid-trained volunteers linked to each team.

The team, who play in the FA-run BOBi (Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire inclusive) league, are run in partnership between Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Reading charity Sport in Mind.

The charity’s founder Neil Harris said: “Bracknell CMHT FC performed brilliantly in the BOBi league this year and for the team now to be awarded the honour of becoming a FA Charter standard club is an amazing achievement.

“This is a truly prestigious honour for the team as this award recognises clubs that are well run and sustainable, with safety paramount.

“Everyone from Bracknell CMHT FC should be really proud of themselves for all the effort they have put in on and off the pitch.”

BHFT community psychiatric nurse Shane White said: “The BOBi League provides a fantastic opportunity for disabled footballers to play competitively in a fun and safe environment.

“The presentation of the plaque is an official recognition by the Football Association of the team’s achievements.”

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