Tyne Valley Canoe Club formed in 1986 when a group of local canoeists came together to promote and provide facilities for canoeing in the Tyne Valley area and offer instruction to members under the guidance of experienced qualified coaches.

The Club holds 50 adult and 36 junior members and boasts a club coach base of 3 BCU Level 1 Coaches, 8 Level 2 Coaches, 4 Level 3 Coaches and 1 Level 4 Coach.

Prior to achieving Clubmark accreditation in 2007, the Club had difficulty accessing funding for coach development and to replace aging and worn out equipment. It also needed to review and update its policies to fit new BCU structures and recommendations.

During the Clubmark process, a team from the club took proactive action, including:

• Updating and revising all club policies including the constitution.
• Formulating club school partnerships with local schools and youth groups.
• Reviewing all operating procedures and risk assessments.
• Formalising the club coach education and development programme with the club accessing and supporting funding of courses etc.
• Creating a club web site.
• Establishing links with Tynedale Sports Council and other funding bodies to support coach development and to access grants to replace club equipment.
• Running a number of events and open days for the public to experience a taster in paddlesport.
• Establishing youth programmes within the club calendar to promote junior participation.

Since achieving accreditation, the Club has been able to access funding from partnership groups such as Northumberland Sports CSP support with grants to fund Level 1 and 2 coaches. It has also accessed support and funding for equipment through Tynedale Council and has received Awards for All grant aid to replace and increase club canoe stock and storage.

Dave Gray, Club Chairman is keen for the Club to continue to develop its coach and volunteer base to give all members the opportunity to experience a range of different paddlesport disciplines and opportunities in either recreational, competition or in coaching. He said,

"The club has worked in a focussed way to build upon the established base and has endeavoured to embrace the recommendations projected by Clubmark, Canoe England and sportscoachUK."

His advice for clubs thinking about registering for Clubmark is "decide what your club aspirations are and go for it!!"

For more information on Tyne Valley Canoe Club, visit the Club's website