A huge congratulations to all at Suffolk Vikings who have pulled together to get the club the Clubmark and Snowmark awards. Club Chairman Rolf Toogood and Vice Chairman Graham Cuthbert have put a large amount of their time and effort in to ensure the club is running above minimum operating standards and provides a legacy for the club structure to continue.

Rolf said, “Thank you to all the members and volunteers who make this a club and such a nice club to be part of. It’s nice to be important but more important to be nice. We have just taken a big step which will, hopefully, allow us to progress further. Watch out Norfolk ....... we're coming!!!” 

The club receive £250 for their development and will be awarded their certificates at the Ski and Snowboard Show 2012. Snowsport England send the club and Suffolk Sport for assessing the award our thanks and congratulations.

Graham said, "It seemed slightly daunting and we hadn’t realised just how much of it we had, but just not in the right format." This is similar to a lot of clubs, who have the information but the way it is collated can help build a stronger club for the future. For more info on Suffolk Vikings and their award, see http://www.suffolkvikings.org.uk/ 

c

ourtesy of Suffolk Ski and Leisure Park

The Sport England Clubmark scheme was developed to enable children and young people, their parents/carers, vulnerable adults and others with an interest in sport to recognise those clubs which are committed to providing a quality experience.   Clubmark is the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme for young people in sports clubs in the UK.

Whilst the scheme is focused on young people, it must be recognised that the criteria are also relevant for all clubs, whether they have young people or not, as the purpose is to create quality sports clubs across the spectrum.

Using the Sport England Clubmark as a guide, Snowsport England has developed its own club development accreditation scheme called Snowmark. This recognises that snow sports have some characteristics which are unique to them and make them different. Clubs attaining Snowmark will also have met all the criteria of the Sport England Clubmark accreditation scheme and will be awarded Clubmark status automatically. 

Tim Fawke,Chief Executive of Snowsport England said, "Club development is integral to the success of sport at all levels and I believe that initiatives that encourage clubs to develop skiers, boarders, coaches, volunteers and facilities can only be good for the long term prospects of Snowsports in this country I look forward to working with the clubs to obtain this accreditation.”

Clubs, facilities and universities can attain these awards. Just speak to your Regional Development Officer or see www.snowsportengland.org.uk/clubdevelopment

The sections of the award are as follows;

SECTION 1

• The Playing Programme

SECTION 2

• Duty of Care and Child Protection

SECTION 3

• Knowing your Club and its Community

SECTION 4

• Club Management

SECTION 5 (optional)

• Volunteers