ClubMark Success

George Young and Keith Wiltshire of Blyth Running Club with ClubMark certificate

Blyth Running Club celebrated being one of only two Northumberland Athletics clubs to be awarded the prestigious England Athletics ClubMark Accreditation, with a presentation of the award at Blyth Sport Centre.

In achieving England Athletics ClubMark, the club has provided evidence that it operates in a safe and child friendly way, runs an effective coaching and athlete development programme, and has a clear vision for the future.

The club presently runs out of Blyth Sports Centre with limited athletics facilities, with under 11, under 13, under 15 and under 17 age groups as well as having a senior section that takes part in athletics events across the region.

George Young, who led the ClubMark process at the club added: "The achievement of England Athletics ClubMark is recognition of the ongoing hard work and dedication at Blyth Running Club. The Club has grasped the initiative and through achieving ClubMark have given the club's present and future membership a defined way forward. Along the way we are delighted to have made what we feel are solid partnerships in the local community and with England Athletics.

Regional Manager of England Athletics, Richard Hunter adds "Many people in the club have contributed to Blyth Running Club achieving ClubMark - From the committee to the coaches who volunteer each week, they have all played their part."

England Athletics North East Regional Chairman, Bill McGuirk goes on to say "clubs are the sole of our sport and we are proud of the work being done by Blyth Running Club. The club is going from strength to strength and Clubmark has been awarded to them in recognition of being a well organised club for its members."

I would also like to highlight the support provided by Northumberland Sport who have supported athletics development in Blyth Valley through their development programme."