Coaches and players at a Bury St Edmunds primary school football club are celebrating after being awarded Football Association (FA) Charter Standard accreditation.

East Anglian Daily Times: James Morley from Suffolk FA presents Hardwick Primary School with their Charter Standard accreditation. PICTURE: Suzanne AbbottJames Morley from Suffolk FA presents Hardwick Primary School with their Charter Standard accreditation. PICTURE: Suzanne Abbott (Image: Archant)

Hardwick Primary School FC is the first in the Bury St Edmunds Primary School Football League to achieve the FA status, which was launched in 2001 to raise standards in grassroots football.

A special presentation was made on Saturday, January 12, when James Morley, Suffolk FA’s mini-soccer and youth football development officer, presented a certificate, commemorative plaque and footballs to manager Derek Smith, volunteer coaches and players in-between fixtures at the school.

Mr Morley said: “Thank you to Hardwick Primary School for inviting me down to present them with their Charter Standard Award.

“They are the first team in the Bury St Edmunds Primary School Football League to achieve the award. This is a great achievement and a great example of a school and Suffolk club setting a high standard.

“It was a great morning on Saturday, seeing some great football and brilliant atmosphere being created by the club, coaches, players and spectators which only helps to provide an enjoyable and fun morning for everyone. We look forward to continuing to work with Hardwick develop their club and the rest of the schools in the league.”

Derek Smith, manager, said: “A tremendous achievement which could not be done without the support of our coaches, and, their willingness to take on board all the benefits of good management and the enjoyment such good practice brings.”