.

Sway CC have now registered for Clubmark and are working towards accreditation, perhaps as early as summer 2011.

Clubmark is the only national cross sports quality accreditation scheme for clubs with junior sections. It is built around a set of core criteria which ensure that accredited clubs operate to a set of consistent, accepted and adopted minimum operating standards.

The ECB continues to work with Sport England on the pioneering club accreditation scheme ‘Clubmark’ to develop a vibrant and healthy club cricket infrastructure.

It is expected that clubs who achieve the ECB Clubmark will be recognised and rewarded for their hard work and commitment to club cricket in England and Wales, not least through access to funding streams.

By registering to work towards ECB Clubmark, Sway is joining a growing number of cricket clubs across England and Wales that are prioritising junior development, creating a benchmark for high quality community club cricket.

ECB Clubmark gives clubs an opportunity to write and implement new procedures as well as acknowledge existing practices. Cricket clubs are required to present evidence and demonstrate implementation across four different themes, culminating in the production of a Club Development Plan.

The four themes are:

• Duty of Care and Safeguarding Children

• The Cricket Programme

• Knowing your club and its Community – One Game

• Club Management

As an example of a couple of things that are required by Clubmark:

* All colts coaches must be at least UKCC1 and there must be a "Head Coach" who is at least UKCC2. 

* the club must have a comprehensive 5-year development planning - covering all aspects both on and off the pitch.

Dave Marshall has been charged by the Committee with coordinating the Clubmark process, however,  a great deal of work will be required from the officers and coaches if the club is to achieve the standard - the benefit to the club in the long run will, however, very considerable.