Congratulations to ACKLAM BADMINTON CLUB on gaining Sport England Clubmark.

They are the eighth badminton club in England to receive this prestigious recognition.

Acklam BC is the first senior club in the Tees Valley area to gain this important status.

Tees Valley has two Junior Clubs with this status. They are Marske Junior Badminton Club and Guisborough Westgate Junior Badminton Club. (For news article click here).

Clubmark is Sport England’s kite mark for a safe, effective and child friendly club.

The Sport England Clubmark is equivalent to the Silver Award in the Badminton Association of England’s own Club Accreditation Programme.

One of the main benefits of gaining Clubmark is that it lets parents know that the Club follows best practice in a number of key areas. These are: -

· A continuing safe environment for children to play in.

· A team of Badminton Association of England qualified coaches, dedicated to continue to develop their knowledge of the sport.

· A structure for children to learn and develop new skills in badminton.

· Encourages club membership and with it a route for progression, enjoyment and improved fitness.

· Develops & promotes volunteers who are suitably trained and checked for their suitability to work with children.

Acklam BC is now looking to forge new links with local schools as part of the Government’s PE, School Sport and Club Links programme.

Acklam BC’s Junior Section meets on Thursdays, during school term time, at Thornaby Community School.

Their contact is Mike Local on 01642 274646.

As well as the above three Clubs, there are a number of other recognised Junior Badminton Clubs operating in the Tees Valley area. All these Clubs are affiliated to the BAofE and are themselves at various stages within the BAofE’s Club Accreditation Programme.

For details of your nearest registered club, contact Tees Valley Badminton Development Officer, Roger Cook (01642 656227).