THE Barrow and District Junior Football League are celebrating after being awarded the FA Charter Standard League Award.

The league picked up the award for their organisation and development of the grass-roots game

The charter standard recognises a league's ability to provide a high-quality, safe and enjoyable football experience based on set criteria, with at least 60 per cent of teams needing to have Charter Standard Club status, working towards 100 per cent within two seasons.

The league, under the chairmanship of Dennis Boyd and with much hard work accomplished by secretary Ben Shirley, have provided a three-year development plan with the consent of all member clubs.

Boyd and treasurer Peter Roberts received the award at Barrow AFC's FA Cup third round match between against Rochdale, with Lancashire FA football development officer Tony Callister Lancashire FA Council representative John Knagg making the presentation.

Callister said: “Thanks go to Dennis and Peter for their hard work towards achieving the accolade.

“A big thank you also goes to Ben Shirley. Ben has guided the league and its clubs every step of the way to achieving this fantastic award.

“It's certainly a very proud moment for myself, having played as a junior in the League.”

John Treacy, of the LFA, said:: “It has been a pleasure working to support the Barrow and District JFL through the FA Charter Standard League programme and award criteria, and in particular the marvellous work carried out by Ben Shirley, who oversaw the development plan and meeting the relevant criteria.

“The league will go from strength to strength, I feel sure, and I wish the members all the very best in their future plans.”