“In our drive to get more children and young
people playing sport both in the run up to 2012 and beyond, we need
to ensure that the places where they play are safe and welcoming
and offer high-quality experiences that encourage them to keep
taking part.”
Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis
Sport England’s Clubmark scheme, which recognises sports
clubs that create safe, high-quality and welcoming environments for
young people, has achieved its 2012 goal to accredit 10,000 clubs
13 months ahead of schedule.
Introduced in 2002, Clubmark accreditation recognises the role
sports clubs play in encouraging young people to take up sport,
learn new skills, fulfil their potential and maintain lifelong
participation.
It recognises best-practice and compliance with minimum
operating standards in:
- Club management
- Safeguarding and protecting children and young people
- Creating the right combination of coaching, training and
competition
- Promoting a child-friendly culture appropriate to the local
community.
With 10,500 clubs across 50 sports now accredited, Clubmark
continues to go from strength to strength, with clubs reaping
tangible benefits such as increased participation, support
developing coaches and volunteers, and improved links with
schools.
Accredited clubs also receive marketing and communications
support and help in adopting more organised systems and structures
to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Since achieving its Clubmark accreditation, Belbroughton Tennis
Club – based in Herefordshire and Worcestershire – has seen large
growth in junior coaching and participation in competition.
Commenting on the scheme, David Slann, club Chairman, said:
“Although the club was already operating well with a great coaching
programme, the process of working towards Clubmark has ensured that
we are now working safely, communicating well with players and
parents and are delivering a quality on court programme. It’s
fantastic that we are recognised as a great club that is
contributing towards the future of British tennis and that our
junior membership has grown.”
A club is accredited through either its recognised national
governing body (NGB) or county sports partnership, and must
therefore, be affiliated to the relevant NGB.
Once accredited, clubs are provided with a bank of relevant,
up-to-date information and support, as well as news and examples of
best practice in working with children and young people.
Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis, said: “In our drive to get
more children and young people playing sport both in the run up to
2012 and beyond, we need to ensure that the places where they play
are safe and welcoming and offer high-quality experiences that
encourage them to keep taking part.”
FInd out more about
Clubmark