CIYMS 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 (first accredited in 2013).

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.
 
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.
 
Photograph right: Uel Graham (CIYMS Junior Coach), Brian McKee (CIYMS CC President), Nigel Jones (Cricket Ireland Regional Development Officer) and Richard Heasley (CIYMS Youth Convenor)

All this ensures that CIYMS CC prioritises the development and promotion of the club's infrastructures, both on and off the playing field.
 
Richard Heasley, CIYMS Youth Convenor said, 'we are delighted to have achieved the Clubmark NI Level 1 accreditation through Cricket Ireland again.  The award is testament to the hard work undertaken within our youth section by numerous dedicated volunteers. We take child safety and safe guarding extremely seriously and this should give parents comfort that their children are developing their cricket skills and being well looked after in a safe environment'.

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