Stamford Bridge AFC are the East Riding FA Charter Standard Club of the Month for March

The East Riding FA Charter Standard Club of the Month Award recognises clubs in our county who are going above and beyond to create fun, safe and inclusive environment for people to play and enjoy football.

Formed over 100 years ago Stamford Bridge AFC reside in the picturesque north of the county. The FA Charter Standard Community club currently boasts 18 teams which range from their U5 Development Centre through to their senior men's teams who currently play in the York Minster Engineering League. The club are also working hard to increase the amount of females playing in the game and now have teams at U11's, U12's, U13's and U15's.

Stamford Bridge AFC is the centre of the local community and provide an excellent opportunity for people to play and enjoy football in a friendly and welcoming environment. The club is also respectful of the past but embraces the future. The longevity of the club and the commitment shown from its volunteers demonstrates the value and standing the club enjoys in the local area.

The the club recently updated it's website so that it's members are absolutely clear on what the clubs safeguarding policy is and who to contact should anyone need to report safeguarding concerns. The information provided is clear and concise and compliments the FA Codes of Conduct which are clearly displayed for all to see. Reassuringly the club also understands its responsibility to safeguard its members and provides opportunities for its members to seek help and advice from external bodies if required.

Club Chairman Martyn Stevens said; "Safeguarding is very important as we are a big club with 270 members, so policies and procedures need to be in place across all our age groups. This also forms a key part of our new club ethos we will shortly will be launching."

The club recently passed the East Riding FA safeguarding assessment and was also one of the first to recruit a Mental Wellness Champion.

Stamford Bridge AFC are also being commended for its success in achieving nearly £500,000 worth of funding from the Football Foundation. Martyn Stevens said; "This is going to be a big boost to the club as with so many members and teams our current facilities are really overstretched. We sometimes have to cancel training to protect pitches to ensure weekend matches can go ahead so more pitches, new changing and catering facilities is exactly what we need. This will also support our growth plans."

Improved catering and changing facilities plus better drainage and pitch improvements work mean that Stamford Bridge AFC will continue to be a football club that is the best place for people to play and enjoy football.

The past year has been extremely challenging and the club were set to celebrate their centenary before COVID-19 struck.

Martyn Stevens said; "We have been very lucky over the years with so many fantastic volunteers who have put so much back into the local community. We have a very strong Committee Structure in place today and excellent Managers and Coaches who want to continue to drive the club forward and ensure the hard work of all those who came before us is not lost."

With the club set to kick off their centenary celebrations after the easing of lockdown measures and the return of grassroots football only a few weeks away the award has been warmly received by all at the club.

Martyn Stevens; "We really value the recognition and support we are getting from the East Riding FA, thank you very much. This is a timely boost to everyone in the club as we get back to playing and watching the game we all love."

If your club has done something outstanding and deserves recognising, then please click here to make your nomination for the March East Riding FA Charter Standard Club of the Month Award.