Derriaghy Cricket Club has been rewarded for their on-going hard work, particularly in regard to their youth development, by having their Cricket Ireland Clubmark NI Accreditation Scheme renewed until 2021.

Clubmark NI is the quality standard for junior sports clubs in Northern Ireland. The programme aims to identify, develop, accredit and recognise high quality operational standards in junior sports clubs and the contribution that they make to the development of sport in Northern Ireland.
 
The club first gained Level 1 Clubmark NI Accreditation status in 2004 when it was administered under the Sport NI banner. Then 2 years later they obtained Junior Gold Club Accreditation. Since 2009 the scheme has been embraced by Cricket Ireland - the Governing Body for cricket in Ireland. In 2013 Derriaghy CC had their Level 1 Accreditation renewed and it has now been further renewed, lasting until 2021.
 
To gain Level 1 Accreditation status, clubs are required to evidence compliance with the core Clubmark NI criteria and sport specific criteria:

1. Effective Management - well managed clubs will be committed to ongoing development and will implement measures to ensure that the club will continue to progress and to retain quality standards.
2. Quality Coaching and Competition - clubs should take their lead from their sport's governing body and should be compliant with their guidelines.
3. Safety in Sport - a commitment to provide appropriate and enjoyable sporting activities in safe environments. Key safety issues include: safeguarding children, first aid, codes of conduct.
 
All this ensures that Derriaghy CC prioritises the development and promotion of the club's infrastructures, both on and off the playing field.
 
Parents of the players of tomorrow and beyond will see this achievement as an attractive reassurance and that Derriaghy CC have demonstrated effective management systems, can offer quality coaching and competition, and are recognised as a safe club and sporting environment.

Photo right: Nigel Jones Regional Development Manager for Cricket Ireland in the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) presented David Skelton (club Under 11 manager) with their new certificate. Also in the photo is Scott Hughes (coach), Graham Kenny (Club President) and some of the children who took part in the festival.

Youth Development officer Rodney Hughes said this achievement will help to raise the club's profile and will attract more players, coaches and volunteers to the club. Rodney indicated that the club will now continue to work alongside Cricket Ireland to achieve the next level Accreditation. The club will also be required to complete an annual health check using the Cricket Ireland/Clubmark NI online system.
 
The club has recently been holding coaching sessions in local primary schools as part of the Lisburn and Castlereagh Council 'Be active stay active' program, which culminated in a festival event held in Lisburn Racquets Club recently. During the event Nigel Jones who is the Regional Development Manager for Cricket Ireland in the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) presented David Skelton (club Under 11 manager) with their new certificate. Also in the photo is Scott Hughes (Coach), Graham Kenny (Club President) and some of the children who took part in the festival.
 
Youth training for both boys and girls will commence again outdoors at the club on the main Belfast-Lisburn Road in mid-April. Before then a registration evening will be held in the clubhouse on Friday 13 April between 6.30 – 7.30pm when parents and children can come along to complete some documentation and pay their registration fee for the season.

Sport Northern Ireland value the essential and significant role that sports clubs play in the development of sport, providing outlets for participation, while also providing quality environments for talented young athletes to develop. The competitive opportunities offered by clubs are yet another key opportunity for participation and development.

For any Cricket clubs in the NCU interested in registering onto the Cricket Ireland Clubmark NI Accreditation scheme, more information is available by contacting their Regional Development Officer, Nigel Jones at nigel.jones@cricketireland.ie