Mid Lancs BMX Club in Chorley, Lancashire achieved Clubmark/Go-Ride accreditation in 2008, becoming the first BMX club in the North West to achieve accreditation.

The Club wanted to encourage more local young people to ride with the club, especially looking to target those that ‘hung around' on the track. They thought this would enable them to increase participation and membership within the club.

By taking part in local forums such as the Go-Ride Development Group, the Club was able to access several funding streams to improve its facility, developing a trails section so that the young riders ‘hanging out' on the track would be encouraged to join the club. This effectively widened the type of activities on offer to encourage more local participation.

Since achieving accreditation, club membership has increased by 74 people. The club now boasts over 100 members half of which are young people. There are more promotional opportunities available and more local authorities and organisations are willing to work with the Club.

Keen to maintain momentum, Mid Lancs BMX is now focussing on developing its volunteers with coaches progressing to discipline specific coaching awards. It is also increasing its work in local schools and hopes to purchase more bikes to accommodate the projected increase of 50 more members.

Lisa Clarke said,

"Clubmark is the best thing we have ever done. We have more volunteers, more Riders and more funding now."

For more information on Mid Lancs BMX Club, visit the Club's website