Ten cricket clubs in Norfolk, including Swardeston, have recently achieved the coveted ECB Clubmark status, indicating that they operate to the highest standards set by the English Cricket Board.
Three clubs have gained the award for the first time, and seven have passed their re-accreditation which is required every three years.
Norfolk Cricket Board’s development manager, Kieron Tuck, said: “Clubmark is a quality standard indicator showing that the club in question demonstrates excellent practice in the four key areas of youth coaching, child welfare, equity and ethics and club management. The criteria are stringent and it often takes clubs around a year to complete the necessary actions and evidence gathering that are needed to pass the two assessments that make up the award.
“Clubmark is therefore an excellent way for parents, players and coaches alike to know that they are involved at a club that offers a safe, well managed and stimulating environment in which to play cricket.
“These clubs should be congratulated for the considerable changes and efforts that they have made at their clubs to reach this standard, and experience shows that these clubs will reap the reward of their hard work with increased youth participation and membership, contributing to the club’s long term health.”
Swardeston’s application process was led by club welfare officer Chris Watts, who completed a tremendous amount of work. Chairman Mark Taylor said: “We are truly inmdebted to Chris for the fantastic way he has handled this application. We are very proud to be able to call ourselves a Clubmark club.”
The clubs that have been accredited for the first time in 2008 are Vauxhall Mallards, Mundford and Thetford, with Swardeston, Sheringham, Stow, Swanton Morley, Old Buckenham, Rocklands and Horsford completing re-accreditation.
