York College's highly rated football development centre has claimed membership of a new national elite by winning the much-coveted accolade of FA Charter Standard status.

The college will receive its award at the England v Holland international at Villa Park on February 9. The award will be presented at half-time by FA Head of National Football Development Kelly Simmons, and Chairman of The FA Football Development Committee Ray Berridge.

This is the first time further education establishments in England have been eligible for such status, and York College is among a select handful of just 11 to achieve the standard.

Around 40 teenagers attend the centre, which plays an especially crucial role in encouraging youngsters who have been released by professional clubs to maintain a high-level interest in the game while also gaining precious academic qualifications.

"What does the talented 15 or 16-year-old player do when the club he's been with for five or six years makes the heart-breaking decision to let him go?," said football development centre co-ordinator Gordon Staniforth, the ex-York City and Carlisle United ace.

"Some of these lads come to us with a lack of confidence and maybe wanting to quit football altogether. We can provide them with a positive way out, and the effects I have seen have been absolutely staggering.

"With 80 colleges in the English National Colleges League we can provide football of a high standard, but also an education to go with it.

"We have a sport and educational mix - sport drives on the education for these kids, it lifts them up.

"We can't promise them a way back into professional football, but we can provide coaching qualifications, academic qualifications, and improve their footballing skills."

The college has an especially strong relationship with semi-professional Pickering Town - currently vying for success in the Northern Counties East League premier division - and has successfully fed several youngsters through into its first team.

Many students move into coaching, taking advantage of opportunities not only in this country, but also in America, France and Canada.

Others will move into alternative areas such as the treatment of sports injuries.

Colleges hoping to achieve Charter Standard must demonstrate academic excellence and strong links to quality clubs. They must provide well-qualified coaching staff of 'A' or 'B'-licence standard, high standards of medical care, and they must offer students the opportunity to take FA coaching courses.

"This is the accumulation of five years of hard work," said Staniforth.

"It started as something out of nothing, and we are delighted to have built the football development centre into something which The FA recognises, and to receive the kitemark of football's governing body is a big thrill for everyone at the college."

Sir Trevor Brooking, FA Director of Football Development, said: "I'd like to congratulate York College on achieving the Charter Standard. The college plays an invaluable role in promoting football at grassroots level and can be proud of its place among a very elite few."

Updated: 11:10 Wednesday, February 02, 2005