YOUNG footballers are celebrating after their club was awarded the FA Charter Standard.

The accolade has been given to Ferryhill Town Youths' Football Club, after months of hard work by volunteers. To gain the award, 11 volunteers were sent on courses to gain coaching qualifications and emergency first aid certificates.

The club has its own child protection officer and someone who is trained to treat pitch-side injuries.

Club secretary David Foster said that the club is run by volunteers, who give up their free time to help run 11 teams, including two girls' teams and a senior team.

He said: "Getting this is a big boost for the club. There are not many junior football clubs who have this award.

"This will open up new avenues for us when it comes to applying for funding.

"It will also help us improve links with local schools.''

More than 200 youngsters attend practice sessions at the Dean Road Recreation Ground and the club's teams play in the Teesside Junior Football Alliance and the Durham FA league.

Mr Foster said that new players and more volunteers were always welcome.