The close of the 2011 England Basketball Clubmark Incentive Scheme proves to be a busy and productive time for the NGB.

England Basketball accredited eight new basketball clubs just in time for inclusion in the England Basketball Clubmark Incentive Scheme, ending on 31st March 2011.

Clubmark Administrator, Craig Costello (who is also featured in the May Spotlight On, click here to read),  commented:

"The deadline week is always a hectic one, but this year proved to be even more so. No doubt the generous monetary Clubmark Incentive Scheme for this season was an attractive prospect to those clubs working towards the accreditation, but the high number of clubs achieving the award is a positive reflection on the great work done by these clubs and their local Basketball Development Officers."

The eight successful clubs are Salford Vikings (pictured below), Wells Warriors, Bracknell Cobras, Leeds Mandela Warriors, Deighton, Huddersfield Heat, Southend Scorpions and Northampton Nets.

When asked about the impact of achieving Clubmark, Moira McCann from Southend Scorpions stated: "Clubmark is now a recognised measure by which people can judge the quality of your club, it says your club provides a safe environment for prospective members and is fast becoming a requirement for potential funders. The Clubmark process is rigourous but I believe it needs to be to give confidence to parents, volunteers and players. Our club will move forward to the new season with a new sense of purpose and enthusiasm, helped by gaining the Clubmark award."

Peter Broderick of Leeds Mandela Warriors commented: "We are extremely proud to have received this award as it recognises the efforts of all our club organisers and volunteers in all the activities we do within the club. As we continue to develop, Clubmark is an important milestone to reach and gives us a solid organisational standard on which to base our further work. We are very thankful of the support provided by England Basketball during the completion of this award."

Basil Richards of Deighton Basketball Club stated: "This accreditation will certainly inspire us all to continue the development and progression of our club."

You can read the Spotlight On Craig Costello here

More details about England Basketball and its incentive scheme can be found here http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk/articles/article.aspx?aid=287&pid=665