Whitton Wanderers named Accredited Club of the Month for February 2024
Middlesex FA is proud to announce that Whitton Wanderers Youth have been named as its England Football Accredited Club of the Month for February 2024.
They take pride in the fact that they welcome young people to the club whatever their skill level, fitness level or gender and have grown rapidly and continuously since inception in 2005, expanding from boys’ football to now include girls, futsal, adult football and now PAN disability football.
For the month of February, our winners have demonstrated that they embrace The FA Respect Campaign and showcase a Positive Environment within their club. They regularly carry out safeguarding checks with their own volunteers to remind them of best practice and the club principles.
Speaking about the importance of the award and the club’s adherence to The FA Respect Campaign, Middlesex FA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, Rebecca Chapman, said: “Through dedication to The FA's Respect Campaign, Whitton Wanderers Youth Football Club stands as a symbol of support and togetherness. Being named Accredited Club of the Month is a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering a positive environment, where respect is paramount both on and off the field.”
A parent from within the club commented: “Whitton Wanderers Youth implement clear codes of conduct, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and promoting inclusivity and diversity. By emphasising sportsmanship, fair play, and constructive feedback, the club cultivate a positive environment where players and parents respect each other and the game. Leading by example, recognising acts of sportsmanship, and actively engaging with the community further reinforce the club's commitment to promoting respect and positivity.”
The club have also recently renewed their Three Star England Football Accreditation status.
As part of retaining their Three Star status, the club have expanded their Playing Pathways to include Disability provision within the club. This is open to children aged 8-16 who are partially sighted, in partnership with Hounslow Council and RNIB and with the support of Middlesex FA. This is the first session of its kind in the county.
The team attended Middlesex FA’s recent pan disability youth festival in partnership with Brentford FC CST and London FA, where the group had the opportunity to play matches against other pan disability teams in across both Middlesex and London.
The club have also been working with the England PARA department, to share opportunities for players to potentially access the England PARA Talent Pathway.
Speaking to our Football Development Officer for Inclusion, Daniel Perkins, he said: “For a large grassroots club such as Whitton Wanderers to begin providing disability specific opportunities at the club, it showcases the inclusivity and community feel which is evident when observing their work.”
On what winning the award means to the club, Huw Griffiths, Club Secretary commented: “Winning this award will be exceptionally important to our club and also signal our intent to enhance and boost the club further. It will also provide recognition for our amazing, unpaid volunteers.”
Congratulations to Whitton Wanderers Youth, from everybody at Middlesex FA!
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