It was decided that with the resources available the Club would set their sights higher than the basic award and strive to achieve the much higher standard. The criteria that had to be met included:

· All Coaches achieving the minimum coaching requirements (although many have more).

· All Coaches hold a Child Protection certificate.

· All Coaches are first aid qualified.

· An established link needed to be set up with an adult club to feed the youths into when they have finished with Cougars. We are proud to say this link is with Buntingford Town FC, who have recently joined the County League.

· Have at least two established Girls Teams, (at Under 9 and Under 13). · To provided facilities for disabled players.

· To update all Club rules and regulations and implement a Code of Conduct and a Child Protection Policy

The Club is very proud to have achieved this high award and are extremely grateful to Vice Chairman, Mick Nolan, for his hard work and effort in guiding the Club to this success. Current Chairman, Barry Tokely said “Buntingford Cougars should always remember that without Mick at the forefront of our application we would never have achieved it”