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Clubmark hat-trick for Medway

Medway has further cause for celebration after three more local clubs were recognised for sporting excellence.

The Invicta Dynamos, Sherwood Cricket Club and Medway Rugby Club are the latest three clubs to have achieved Clubmark accreditation, the national standard recognising quality sports provision for young people.

Their success brings the total number of nationally-accredited clubs in Medway to 15.

Invicta Dynamos is the first ice hockey club in the country to achieve the Clubmark accreditation. Its success followed an 18-month assessment of its provision of a safe, effective and friendly environment for children.

Club secretary and director Jackie Mason said: “A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work. I’m proud of them all.

Photo of representatives from Medway RFC receiving their Clubmark award. Back row, left to right: Rob Archer, Martin Attis, Trevor Jefferies, RFU President Brian Williams, Sandie Thompson, Pete Rann. Front row, left to right: Josh Rann, Sam Jefferie

"This shows the club is run on a professional basis and I hope we can help and encourage other clubs to achieve this status.”

Sherwood Cricket Club became the 48th cricket club in the county to attain the accreditation in recognition of the progress it has made with its youth development and the support it gives to community schools in Medway.

Greenacre School Sport Partnership and Thomas Aveling School have access to Sherwood’s ECB Qualified coaches for after-school and special cricket activities.

John Fewtrell, Chairman and Child Welfare Officer at Sherwood CC said: “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.”

The hat-trick of successes came when Medway Rugby Club became the first rugby club in Medway to achieve Clubmark status.

The RFU Community Rugby Seal of Approval and the Sport England Clubmark accreditation scheme are based on a three-year award system in which clubs are assessed on their ability to provide a safe, effective and child-friendly environment in which youngsters can learn their rugby.

RFU regional rugby development officer Andy Pratt said: “Medway RFC have shown they are committed to providing a safe, effective and fun environment for children to learn and enjoy rugby union. This award is due recognition of the hard work their volunteers do in order for this to happen.

All three clubs work closely with Medway Council’s Sports Development Team and were supported through the accreditation process by sports development officer Sarah Dand.

The Medway clubs that have achieved Clubmark or national governing body-equivalent accreditations are:

For more information on the information, training and support available to local clubs and coaches, contact the Sports Development team on 01634 338761 or email sportsdevteam@medway.gov.uk.

For further information on Sherwood Cricket Club, please visit www.sherwoodcricket.com

For further information about Invicta Dynamos visit www.invictadynamos.co.uk.

For further information on Medway Rugby Club, visit www.mrfc.net


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