Berkshire Sport has become the latest County Sports Partnership (CSP) to become licensed to accredit Clubmark, taking the total number of licensed organisations to 42.

Only clubs affiliated to a Sport England recognised NGB can gain Clubmark accreditation. However, clubs are not disadvantaged simply because the NGB in their sport is not licensed to accredit. A licensed CSP can also accredit clubs in its area that belong to a Sport England recognised sport.

As part of Berkshire's licensing process, Thames Valley Boxing Club has achieved Clubmark accreditation.

Thames Valley ABC was established in 1957 by John Bremner and has been running as a successful Boxing club ever since.

Current lead coach Paul Cooke has had much success over his 28 year involvement with the club. Daniel Ward was a semi finalist of School Boys Championship and local lads Sonny Jury and Marley Churcher have been invited to join the England Boxing Squad training camp. Another local lad, Chris Haines won the Junior novice Home Counties champion 2008. Now their success continues with the achievement of Clubmark.

Debbie Griffiths, Sport Development Officer (Club and Coach) at the CSP said,

"Berkshire Sport recognises and values the commitment made by sports clubs to develop high quality, welcoming environments for young participants. It is encouraging to work with such dedicated people who are passionate about sport and a special congratulations goes to Thames Valley Boxing Club, accredited with Clubmark through our licensing process and thanks to the ABAE and BACYP for their support. "

"We now have a number of other clubs signed up to Clubmark accreditation, including disability clubs and an American Football Club. We look forward to working with many more over the years!"

Although the ABAE holds a license to accredit its boxing clubs with Clubmark, the NGB has limited resource and so welcomed the support from Berkshire Sport. Clare MacLeod, National Clubmark Manager welcomes this form of partnership.

She said,

"We are working hard to ensure as many clubs as possible can register for Clubmark, either through their NGB or CSP. It is encouraging that CSPs from as far afield as the North East, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and NGBs including wheelchair basketball and baseball/softball are all working through the licensing process to enable more and more clubs have the opportunity of attaining Clubmark."
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