The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

Halesowen Town are celebrating after being honoured by their local FA on the eve of the season.

Thanks to the Yeltz's ongoing community work, the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club are now an FA Charter Standard Community Club, the FA's highest status for Non-League clubs.

Halesowen's Charter Standard co-ordinator Sarah Titmus said the club was immensely proud after hearing news that the Birmingham FA were making the award this week.

"It is brilliant to reach the highest level of Charter Standard. It is amazing to think that in 14 months we have gone from a club with no accreditation, to being the highest level achievable," she said. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in making this dream a reality."

The Yeltz achieved their new status by demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the FA’s National Game Strategy. Criteria includes raising standards in football, including the promotion of the FA’s Respect programme, creating better players for the future, helping to promote the national game in the community and supporting the volunteer workforces of clubs by helping them to continue growing and developing as individuals.