Clubmark continues to go from strength to strength. More than 5,800 clubs are now accredited with a further 4,400 working towards accreditation. But where do we want to get to by the end of 2010?

Accreditation

Accreditations are running at approximately 1,100 per annum, however, many NGBs are also now heavily involved in re-accreditation. We are fully aware of the time, resource and commitment this takes and congratulate both the NGBs and CSPs on the continuing momentum they have built to support this. It would be a real landmark if we could, together, push new accreditations up to 1,300 this year (while keeping all our accredited clubs in the fold). This will take us over the 7,000 mark, which is well on the way to the combined Whole Sport Plan target of circa.8,500 by 2013.

To maintain Clubmark as a robust defensible accreditation scheme we are to meet with all licensed organisations (NGBs and CSPs) during 2010 to ensure that they continue to support clubs, assess criteria correctly and drive club development in general. These meetings also provide licensing organisations with an opportunity to assess current criteria, to suggest improvements to the Clubmark product and to ensure that we are continuing to offer the right support.

Local support

Clubmark is supported by CSPs across the country. More than 20 are now licensed to accredit clubs in their area. This year we will continue to actively support the remaining sports partnerships so that hopefully by the end of the year there will be no excuse for clubs affiliated to a Sport England recognised NGB not to register for Clubmark.

Benefits

CSPs are also playing an important role engaging with local authority partners and other facility providers to improve the benefits packages offered to Clubmark clubs.

The Charter, introduced last year, encourages recognition and reward for Clubmark clubs via, for example, offering priority bookings slots and discounted facility hire as well as assembling bespoke packages that incorporate free or reduced cost access to courses for coaches, volunteers and officials.

We shall be dedicating extra time and resource this year to pro-actively pushing for more local authorities to adopt the Charter and will ensure that we keep you informed of new developments in this area.

And as many clubs have already signed up to benefit from the Sainsbury's Active Kids Scheme, we will also be investigating the potential for more collaborations of this kind!

Have your say

We have our thoughts on the future direction of Clubmark but we would also like to hear from you. Whether you are from an NGB or CSP or a volunteer in a club with ideas on how to improve the Clubmark product, please feel free to contact us with your views... coming soon - our latest survey will give you the opportunity to provide direct feedback and let us know your views.