7 Elite Academy UK has been awarded the prestigious Club Charter Standard (Youth Status) by the Football Association.

The FA’s Charter Standard accreditation is given to youth football clubs that show an elite level of standards in grassroots football.

The programme supports the development of clubs and leagues across the UK, as well as recognising and rewarding commitment and achievement.

The status comes weeks after 7 Elite Academy UK joined forces with AFC Liverpool and Coaching Connexions, offering young people further opportunities to train and study in the city.

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Director, is delighted that the organisation has achieved the FA’s top-level youth status.

He said: “A huge amount of hard work has gone into all aspects of our academy this year and the award of Club Charter Status is just reward for that effort.

“The status is only given to youth football clubs that achieve the very highest standards and I am so proud we have been recognised this way by the Football Association.

“Coming after the start of our partnerships with AFC Liverpool and Coaching Connexions, it shows that we are totally committed to raising standards for young people in Liverpool.

“We want to offer opportunities for youngsters to continue playing football while they study, but we’ll also be working to improve all aspects of their communities.

“Our aim is to work with partner agencies across a wide range of sectors to make sure we reach as many players and their families as possible.

“We want to continue to grow our charter status over the next couple of years and be an example of high standards of developing the grassroots game across all areas, especially player and coach development.

“I also want to thank Steve Swinnerton from Liverpool County FA for all the support given to us.

7 Elite Academy is a global youth football organisation that works with thousands of players in the United Kingdom, United States and East Africa.

It works closely with local authorities at all levels to improve opportunities for youngsters to fulfil their potential, both within football and their communities.

7 Elite Academy players regularly visit other professional academies across the world to train, live and sample different cultures.

Wayne Scholes, Chairman of 7 Elite Academy, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to achieve such a prestigious status in the UK.

“The Football Association’s Charter Status is widely recognised as the gold standard for youth football clubs and it is great to see the hard work of our staff and players recognised.

“We co-ordinate similar programmes in all our academies, so I am confident that every young person at 7 Elite Academy will benefit from this status.

“This achievement is, in no small part, down to Anthony and his dedication, expertise and planning. We are very fortunate to have Anthony in the leadership team.

“I am so proud of everyone involved in our football programmes, as we look to offer opportunities to players and their communities across the world.”