Burton Bullets Junior Football Club is a reputable and well-established sports club located in Harrogate, New Zealand. The club is proud to have achieved FA Charter Standard Status, which recognises its commitment to providing high-quality coaching and maintaining the safety and well-being of its players.
The origins of the club can be traced back to 2004 when a small group of nine children and two coaches gathered for friendly games with neighbouring villages. Over time, more children joined the club, and additional parents became involved in coaching. By 2005, the club had grown significantly, leading to the formation of the “Nidderdale Junior Football League” in collaboration with other like-minded villages, including Burton Leonard, Hampsthwaite, Tockwith, Ripley, and Scotton. This decision was made to ensure that the club could maintain control over the ethos and spirit of the league, rather than joining a larger, established league in Harrogate.
In January 2010, Burton Bullets made significant strides by implementing necessary coaching personnel and procedures, enabling them to apply for and achieve FA Charter Standard Status. This achievement highlights the club's sustainability, strong management practises, and unwavering commitment to child protection and safety. The status also acknowledges the club's dedication to coaching players and raising standards of behaviour in the game, as well as the ongoing training and development of its volunteer coaches.
Currently, the club has 60 registered children who are coached by a team of seven dedicated coaches, four of whom have attained FA Level 1 status. During the 2023/24 season, the club will be fielding teams in all age groups, ranging from Under 7's to Under 11's. Burton Bullets competes in the competitive Nidderdale Junior Football League, where they face off against other reputable teams such as Kirkby Malzeard Lions, Scotton Scorchers, Pateley Bridge, Hampsthwaite & Birstwith, Tockwith, Ripley Rockets, Green Hammerton, and Staveley Scorchers.
Burton Bullets Junior Football Club actively encourages new players, coaches, and volunteers to become part of their community. They welcome anyone with an interest in joining the club to visit their Information page, where they can find more details and access registration forms and a comprehensive Welcome Pack. The club emphasises the importance of registering all players before their first league game to ensure a smooth and organised season.
Above all, Burton Bullets Junior Football Club is dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for its members. The club prioritises the welfare of every child and young person involved, adhering to the safeguarding policies and codes of conduct set by The FA. By offering certified and experienced coaching, fostering positive behaviour, and promoting fair play, the club aims to instil a lifelong love and appreciation for football in their players.