THE Oxford Mail Boys League have been awarded League Charter Standard status following a year’s hard work by the management committee.

The Charter Standard programme assesses the ability of leagues to provide a high-quality, safe and enjoyable football experience against a standard set of criteria.

It also encourage leagues to continuously develop through on-going support from county FA staff, as well as review and progress a league development plan.

And the league has fulfilled all the criteria thanks mainly to the work of registration secretary Mary Simmonds, who has led the behind-the-scenes work.

Paul Lyon, the league’s fixtures and referee’s secretary commented: “It is fantastic for the league to receive this honour.

“However, it would have been impossible to achieve without the many hours of hard work that Mary Simmonds has put in.

“Parents can allow their children to play organised football with the knowledge that the league and also the member clubs are providing a safe environment for them.”

Owain Prosser, football development officer for the Oxfordshire FA, said: “This is a great testament to their hard work, and more importantly underlines their commitment in working with Oxfordshire FA to develop youth football within the county.”