THE Durham County FA officially launched its FA Charter Standard School Ambassador Scheme in February.

The Scheme has been developed by County FA Education Development Officer Chris Smith who with other interested partners identified and recruited key individuals throughout the County who were prepared to receive training from the County F.A. Development team and use their skills to champion the initiative within local schools.

In developing the scheme Chris said: "I began by approaching the School Sports Partnerships and I was very pleased with the response as most of them quickly provided me with the details of people already involved within the schools network and other professionals who wished to be involved in this exciting new initiative."

"I would however like to open up the opportunity of becoming a Durham County FA Ambassador to those from the wider football community, and they would work with the Development team to recruit other schools who would benefit from the Charter Standard scheme."

One reason for the scheme is due to the number of schools and the geographical size of the County, which would make it impossible to visit, offer support and also make them all aware of the benefits the scheme provides.

"So far we have 40 Ambassadors on board who have attended the training course delivered by the County Development staff and this has enabled us to support 42 Secondary Schools and 252 Primary and Special Schools who will be provided with the assistance they need to attain the criteria stipulated in obtaining Charter Standard Status."

Company Secretary John Topping said: "The Ambassador Scheme introduced by Chris and the support provided by other members of the Development team will provide great opportunities for those connected with Education to obtain and benefit from this FA Charter Standard Scheme, and we are grateful to all who have joined and hope that many more will."

If you would like to be considered as an Ambassador, and discuss what is required in carrying out this voluntary role, please contact Chris Smith, Durham County FA Development Team, 0191 3872928.