A huge accolade was awarded to Leamington Hibs this month when we were awarded the Chartered Standard Development Club of the Year award for 2009 from the Birmingham FA. County FA Charter Standard Awards are won by clubs and individuals who have gone that extra mile to ensure they meet and often exceed the requirements outlined by the kite-marking initiative.
This years awards were presented at the national Grass Roots Show held on Saturday 13th June at the NEC Birmingham. The club were presented their award by Chris Kamara and Steve Claridge in recognition of their 3 year developmental programme to children and adults in Football in all abilities. Natalie Justice *County Development Manager said* Leamington Hibs FC have worked very hard to secure football for all ages, genders and abilities. Their fully trained workforce giving their time freely as volunteers. The club was also praised for its training of over 10 newly qualified referees three of them being ladies and their Young Leaders programme that has seen many of the Youth section of the club take up training courses in the field of sport.
The club will now be put forward for the national awards later this summer and will realise other benefits from the BCFA next season. As the club push for being recognised at the next level up from development status, 'Community Status' The boost in the profile club couldn't be more timely.
Winners: Leamington Hibernian FC
Runners Up: Stratford Town FC , Santiago Colts FC.
The club also had a nomination in the U18 Football Workforce section. Jamie Thwaites aged just 15 was one of 4 youngsters nominated from across the UK. Jamie has given 6 years service as a player and a considerable amount of voluntary hours to the younger sections of the club, also completing his Refs badge and attending both Country and Regional Young Leaders Camps.
www.leamingtonhibs.com
