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 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.
10,500 clubs across 50 sports are now accredited and are 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.
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 at www.clubmark.org.uk