Derriaghy Cricket Club has become the latest club to be accredited on the Cricket Ireland / Clubmark NI Club Accreditation Scheme.

As part of the Scheme’s original pilot programme, the Northern Cricket Union’s Derriaghy have joined North Down as the only two cricket clubs in Northern Ireland to reach accreditation status.

The status means that the club have demonstrated they have the capacity to reach minimum operating standards in the areas of effective management, quality coaching and competition and safety.

Derriaghy’s David Skelton, a key driver in the club’s work towards accreditation, is delighted with the situation. “At Derriaghy we hold the organisation of the club in the highest esteem, and it is very pleasing to know that we have reached recognised best practice standards as well as being rewarded for what we do.”

Cricket Ireland’s Director of Cricket Mark Garaway is equally pleased. “It is important for the development of our game at grass roots level that clubs embrace these standards and wish to drive themselves forward. I am delighted that Derriaghy have reached accreditation status and I wish them every success as they continue their work on the Scheme.”

Other clubs who are part of the Scheme’s pilot programme are also nearing a time when they will be assessed against the criteria, and Cricket Ireland are planning the next phase of roll-out to clubs in the New Year.

Clubs interested in finding out more about the Scheme can contact Cricket Ireland’s Tim Simmonite on 028 9076 5619 or tim.simmonite@cricketireland.ie.