TAUNTON Youth FC Community Trust has taken the next step in its development, with the announcement that it has received Charter Standard status from the Football Association (FA).

A statement from the trust said: "This is the culmination of a good deal of hard work and dedication by our management team.

"It demonstrates to parents, sponsors and the public that our club is well organised, safe and provides opportunities for all.

"It also confirms the club has FA-qualified coaches as standard and adheres to FA Respect policies and codes of conduct and prioritises child welfare, as well as appropriate levels of discipline."

The trust has also appointed a new consultant director of coaching, in Ian Thompson.

Thompson is an A Licence coach who has for many years operated as a coach educator in the Somerset area, and most recently was head of the Foundation Phase at Yeovil Town FC.

His role will see him deliver and contribute to coaching sessions, as well as devising and maintaining a coaching philosophy and coaching curriculum.

He will also be observing fixtures and passing feedback to the trust's coaches, and his contacts with professional clubs should also mean that introductions can be provided for those players who meet the criteria to be put forward for trials at a higher level.

For more information about the community trust, you can visit its website here.