Rochester, Kent - 23 July, 2008. Sherwood Cricket Club is proud to announce that they are the 48th Cricket Club in Kent to attain the prestigious Clubmark accreditation in recognition of the progress they have made with their youth development and their support of local community schools in Medway.

John Fewtrell, Chairman and Child Welfare Officer, Sherwood CC commented "We have seen a steady increase in our membership since starting the Clubmark process back in September, I am certain this is directly attributable to the fact that people wishing to play cricket are reassured that the club they are joining is well managed, safe and has a structured plan to develop cricket at all levels."

Sherwood Cricket Club has developed close links with two community schools within Medway to help develop the next generation of cricketers. Greenacre School Sport Partnership and Thomas Aveling School have access to Sherwood's ECB Qualified coaches for after-school and special cricket activities.

"Sherwood has been linked with the School since before the opening of our new sports hall", said Kelly Harris, Partnership Development Manager, Greenacre School Sport Partnership (GSSP). "We have an agreement whereby Sherwood and Greenacre will work together to bring grass roots cricket to all of our partnership schools".

"Kent Cricket Board (KCB) are delighted that Sherwood have proven to be a determined, well managed club, with the drive that has enabled it to achieve Clubmark Accreditation in less than one year" said Clair Gould, Community Cricket Manager at KCB. "I am looking forward to working closely with Sherwood in supporting the club to reach its future aspirations and to assist them with their work with their Community Schools Partnerships."

"I have been impressed by the support we received from both Medway Sports Development Unit and in particular the Kent Cricket Board in helping us achieve Clubmark Accreditation" said Tony Rossiter, Youth Section Chairman, Sherwood CC. "There is a lot of knowledge, help and training subsidies available, any club seeking to attain Clubmark should be encouraged to discuss their requirements with their local Sports Development Unit and their Sport's National Governing Body".