We are delighted to have been awarded 2-star accreditation by the Football Association.
This grading shows the club provides a safe and nurturing environment for all involved, good provision for the local community, while also demonstrating commitment to football pathways from early years development, through to open age.
All grass roots clubs seek accreditation with the FA to be able to enter competitions, but clubs then aim to achieve higher gradings of one, two or three stars, to demonstrate to parents, the community, funders and other stakeholders that they are providing the best possible environment for all involved.
Accredited clubs also gain access to various resources and support from the FA, helping them improve facilities and coaching standards, plus being 2-star opens up added funding opportunities.
We achieved our status due to our commitment to a complete pathway in boys football, thanks to having development sessions for very young children, through to our open age teams, plus our better than average provision for girls football - due to the number of active teams we have.
Our link with Prestwich Heys also counted towards the grading - as they provide an under-21s (who have featured ex-Marauders players) and a semi-professional first team. Heys will also now be classed as a 2-star club, thanks to the provision we provide in junior football, as a linked organisation.
Chairman Chris Abbott said: “This accreditation is the culmination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people who spend hours volunteering for this club. Be they coaches, committee members, club officers or people who help out with admin, accounts, fundraising or grounds maintenance.
“We are proud to provide football for a large range of people of varying ages in our area and to do that safely, in a nurturing environment that helps young people have the positive experience of being involved in football.
“A lot of hard work lies ahead if we want to improve on this, or to retain the grading in future. So, as always, if anyone wishes to get involved and help the club in any capacity please get in touch.”
What the FA says:
This grading shows the club provides a safe and nurturing environment for all involved, good provision for the local community, while also demonstrating commitment to football pathways from early years development, through to open age.
All grass roots clubs seek accreditation with the FA to be able to enter competitions, but clubs then aim to achieve higher gradings of one, two or three stars, to demonstrate to parents, the community, funders and other stakeholders that they are providing the best possible environment for all involved.
Accredited clubs also gain access to various resources and support from the FA, helping them improve facilities and coaching standards, plus being 2-star opens up added funding opportunities.
We achieved our status due to our commitment to a complete pathway in boys football, thanks to having development sessions for very young children, through to our open age teams, plus our better than average provision for girls football - due to the number of active teams we have.
Our link with Prestwich Heys also counted towards the grading - as they provide an under-21s (who have featured ex-Marauders players) and a semi-professional first team. Heys will also now be classed as a 2-star club, thanks to the provision we provide in junior football, as a linked organisation.
Chairman Chris Abbott said: “This accreditation is the culmination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people who spend hours volunteering for this club. Be they coaches, committee members, club officers or people who help out with admin, accounts, fundraising or grounds maintenance.
“We are proud to provide football for a large range of people of varying ages in our area and to do that safely, in a nurturing environment that helps young people have the positive experience of being involved in football.
“A lot of hard work lies ahead if we want to improve on this, or to retain the grading in future. So, as always, if anyone wishes to get involved and help the club in any capacity please get in touch.”
What the FA says:
- Thriving accredited clubs build successful, sustainable, financially-viable futures
- Thriving accredited clubs have engaged, motivated, relevantly-skilled people
- Thriving accredited clubs offer welcome spaces for the best experiences
- Thriving accredited clubs welcome players of all ages and abilities, to provide the experience players want, for fun or performance.
To achieve three stars, clubs need to provide complete player pathways for both male and female football, plus at least one disability team, meeting high standards for coaching, safety, and development.
