Selecting a Sports Club for Young People

Nuneaton & Bedworth Leisure Trust along with Greater Warwickshire Sport is working with a number of sports clubs in the area to improve and develop their junior sections. Part of this process has involved the introduction of an Accreditation scheme called Sport England Clubmark. Sport England Clubmark is a cross-sport recognition of sports clubs that are committed to providing a safe, effective, child-friendly environment.

Clubmark is a very new programme and many clubs are just starting to work through the process. Once finished the club will be recognised and promoted in order for parents, teachers and carers to be confident in encouraging young people to join the club.

We would encourage anyone involved with looking after young people to consider a Sport England Clubmark club as the best option for children to enjoy and develop their sport in a safe environment. Look out for the logo, which should be displayed on club literature.

We would recommend that before sending your child to any sports club you ask the following questions:-

• Does the club have a separate junior section and membership?
• Is the Club affiliated to the national governing body?
• Are all the coaches qualified?
• Have all the coaches and volunteers been through a Criminal Records Bureau check?
• Have coaches and volunteers received child protection training?
• Does the coaching and competition take place at safe venues?
• Does the club have first aid equipment at all coaching and competition?
• Does the club have public liability insurance?
• Are there competitive opportunities for my son/daughter to take part in?
  What opportunities are there for my son/daughter to progress through the club?

As well as these questions we would also advise that you meet coaches and volunteers and stay to observe the coaching and competition.

By doing this you are not only ensuring the safety of your own child but also ensuring that clubs continue to improve and develop and continue to provide a safe, effective, child-friendly club environment.

For more information contact the Sports Development Officer:

Tel: 024 7640 0589
email: rebecca.moss@nblesiuretrust.org
 
See also:

Child Protection Unit 
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