Background
Prior to 2002, there were no national standards, no recognisable quality mark, no joined up approach to development. Clubmark was introduced in 2002 by Sport England, and is a cross-sport quality accreditation for clubs. Sport England's 'Clubmark' is used by National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs), as part of their club accreditation programmes for sports clubs with junior sections.
The clubmark scheme is a best practice guide that sets standards for clubs working with young people. As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the sporting experience for all.
What is Club Acceditation? What do I need to know and how does it benefit my club?
Definition: Club Accreditation = A cross-sport national quality accreditation scheme for sports clubs working with children and young people
There are an estimated 150,000 sports clubs in England, and 106,000 are affiliated to their National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). Clubs exist in all shapes and sizes. There are many clubs and volunteers that offer children and young people an excellent experience... but some clubs do not. Where does your club fit? How do you know?
What you need to know about Clubmark
- Clubmark is the national standard for quality sport clubs, recognised across the country
- Clubmark has been designed specifically to help sports clubs develop
- The clubmark process is designed to support clubs enabling them to be the best they can be, and helping them achieve the recognition they deserve
- Clubmark will help you implement a variety of actions. Every single action will help your club improve
- Clubs that successfully achieve clubmark receive the clubmark kite mark – the sign of a quality club.
Benefits for your Club
Accreditation will help your club:
- Offer a safe and effective environment for young people
- Offer an attractive club for parents, coaches and volunteers
- Greatly increase the likelihood of receiving funding
- Expand and develop its volunteer base
- Increase its membership
- Improve its standards of coaching
- Increase it success and achievement
- Form links with local school and partners
- Operate on a more efficient and professional footing
- Gain greater understanding around issues of safeguarding and equal opportunities
- Publicly demonstrate the quality of its service
