Northumberland Reach 100 Accredited Clubs
Steve McIntosh, Dan Small and Ben Walton
Barnesbury Cycling Club became the 100th Club in Northumberland to achieve either the generic ClubMark award or their National Governing Bodies Junior accreditation. Barnesbury CC were awarded their Sport England Club Mark award by British Cycling North East Development Officer Dan Small at their annual awards dinner. The certificates were warmly received by club coach Steve McIntosh and President Ben Walton.
ClubMark Explained
ClubMark is the recognised cross sport standard for clubs with a junior section who provide safe, fun and active sporting opportunities to their junior members. It is monitored by Sport England and supported by around 35 National governing bodies.
The accreditation recognises the clubs needs to train appropriate coaches and volunteers and ensure that appropriate polices and procedures are in place.
Ashington Cricket Club was the first club in Northumberland to achieve the award in the County in 2004 and there has been a steady rise in the number of clubs receiving this award since.
Future Development for Barnesbury Cycling Club
Barnesbury are not resting on the accreditation now as they are looking to use the opportunities that are available next year as club volunteer Steve McIntosh identifies:
"The award illustrates the club's commitment to develop pathways into cycling for young riders in South East Northumberland, giving parent's confidence from the guaranteed standards of excellence in our activities. The club is looking forward to 2012 and developing coaching and sporting opportunities in cycling throughout the year to leave the Barnesbury's very own Olympic legacy in the Bedlington area."
Accreditation Support
The accreditation scheme is supported by approx 35 different National Governing Bodies and all 49 County Sport Partnerships (including Northumberland Sport). Club and Coach Development Officer Stephen Parsons said;
"It is a great achievement for the county to have 100 accredited clubs across 22 National Governing Bodies and we are aware of more clubs and sports currently looking at achieving these awards. Barnesbury Cycling Club have worked very hard to gain the accreditation in less than a year from starting the process off. It is a great achievement for the club and a lot of credit needs to go to Steve McIntosh and all the volunteers at the club."
