Supporting local clubs for future development
Sport Northern Ireland today launched Clubmark NI, a club development
programme which supports the development of junior sports clubs and delivers
a quality standard for junior sports clubs. On hand to help promote the
programme was rugby star Rory Best, who himself has reaped the benefits to
be gained from the valuable support and development provided by local sports
clubs.
Sport Northern Ireland Chief Executive Eamonn McCartan praised the
initiative, saying:
“Sport Northern Ireland is dedicated to developing people in sport, and sports
clubs play a significant role in the overall development of sport. As such,
Clubmark NI is a very important programme and is key to promoting
increased participation and enhancing performance in sport, and most
importantly starts at junior level so as to lay the most effective foundations for
a lifelong enjoyment in sport.”
Clubmark NI aims to develop and achieve minimum operating standards within
junior clubs and is delivered in partnership with various governing bodies of sport
and Local Authorities. It will result in quality sporting experiences, delivered in
safe environments by effectively managed sports clubs.
Paul Rothwell (Podium 4 Sport), Rory Best, Alan Moneypenny (Sport Northern
Ireland), and Brian McCargo (Sport Northern Ireland)
Support is available to assist clubs to develop and achieve Clubmark NI
accreditation through various means including Sport Northern Ireland’s Club
Resource Pack; the Clubmark NI web page: www.sportni.net/clubmarkni;
selected Local Authority Sports Development Personnel; and selected
governing body development staff.
There are many benefits for clubs who get involved in the Clubmark NI
programme, such as support and guidance from sports development
professionals, the development of the clubs administrators, coaches and
volunteers, the possibility of increased membership and raising the profile of
the club. Some governing bodies and Local Authorities also provide
additional benefits to accredited clubs. A partnership between Sport
Northern Ireland and Podium 4 Sport means that there are a range of retail
benefits to clubs such as vouchers for equipment or kits and discount cards.
Rory Best, Meave Kyle (Ballymena & Antrim Athletics Club), Alan Moneypenny
(Sport Northern Ireland), and Maura Kelly (GAA Community Development Officer)
The Clubmark NI programme and associate endorsed governing body and
Local Authority club accreditation schemes provide a consistent mark of
quality which will allow parents/carers and participants alike to identify clubs
who have achieved a minimum standard of quality in the areas of club
management, coaching, competition and safety.
Eamonn McCartan went on to say:
“Clubs impact upon sport by providing opportunities for participants to
enjoy positive sporting experiences and environments where, young athletes can
be supported to realise their full potential in sport. In the overwhelming majority
of cases, these clubs are operated by enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers
who perform a range of coaching, management and administration roles as well
as many others, and we are very keen to support and develop this as much
as possible.”
Notes to editors:
Further information on Clubmark NI is available on the Clubmark NI page on the
Sport Northern Ireland website www.sportni.net/clubmarkni
For further information please contact:
Catherine McKeown, Marketing and Press Officer on 028 9038 3832 / 07792 600121 or via email catherinemckeown@sportni.net
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