A common misconception is that the process of achieving Clubmark simply creates more work and administration for key club members. Lesley Lockie, Chairperson and coach of Ickenham Junior Badminton Club was of this view until she embarked on the course of action.

Many clubs across the country are aware of the benefits that achieving Clubmark can bring and have the desire to be recognised as a high quality club but can sometimes feel isolated. However there is plenty of support on hand, people and sporting organisations with the necessary experience and resources to provide advice and guidance and make the process simpler.

A key challenge facing clubs working towards Clubmark is the collation of an evidence file. This can be a daunting process and time consuming for one nominated individual. One recently accredited Orienteering Club in the North West overcame this challenge by working as a team.

ETTA has a number of regional and national leagues in place for junior and adult members to compete and progress to the highest level. However, a number of clubs in the North West identified a gap between playing for pleasure and the competitive structure.

It was a busy August Saturday morning in Hastings, youngsters from Westerleigh Judo Club waited with anticipation to meet Densign White, Chairman of the British Judo Association (BJA) who was guest of honour at their "festival day." The morning was packed with judo activity, fun and games. The day was a double celebration because it comprised a presentation from Access Sport of a support cheque as well as the presentation of their Clubmark award.

There are thousands of clubs working towards accreditation and many more thinking about it. To provide much needed help we have compiled some top tips to get clubs well on the way to success!

The initial benefits of GolfMark are achieved well in advance of actually receiving the award. The information pack and website provided everyone at The Craythorne with a focus on best practice and the way forward. Once we had decided to pursue the GolfMark, day by day, step-by-step we implemented procedures and good practices to reach our target. Throughout our application process we were able to improve our junior section.

Following a great deal of hard work with ongoing support from Andy Willems EGU/ELGA Regional Development Officer, West Hove Golf Club in Sussex has achieved the GolfMark Award (integrating Clubmark).

The Derby Trailblazers Basketball Club are close to completing renovations to the large sports hall at Noel Baker School in Derby.

The refurbishment, which was made possible through funding provided by the Community Club Development Programme (CCDP), has brought about dramatic changes to a slightly run-down and antiquated facility.

Even though Harefield CC had, and still has, a thriving adult cricket membership, the Colts section had been ticking along for a few years, with no real aims or sense of purpose with regard to youth development or good practice.

Following a telephone conversation between David Holland (MCB Development Secretary) and myself, with regard to the progression of our Colts' section, a meeting was arranged at Lord's where the possibilities of our club striving to achieve ECB Clubmark accreditation were explained. We collected a ECB Clubmark Resource Pack and Evidence File, and MCB explained in a very positive manner the efforts required and the ways to achieve our goal, stressing that the achievement of ECB Clubmark accreditation would be dependent upon the amount of time, effort and project management skills that we could generate within our club. I left the meeting with a very positive attitude.