Sport England Clubmark is used by the national governing bodies of sport (NGBs) as part of their club accreditation programmes for sports clubs with junior sections, in recognition of a quality club.

By creating a single, national standard, Clubmark helps give all kinds of sports clubs with a junior section a structure and direction that will benefit them in several ways:

Increasing membership

Being able to demonstrate that you have addressed issues such as equality and child protection gives confidence to parents choosing a club for their children.

Developing your club

The foundation for any club is its youth structure.  So, by encouraging and attracting young members, you are building a strong future for your club.

Developing your coaches and volunteers

As part of the accreditation scheme, you'll be given help and advice in developing the skills of everyone involved in your club.

Raising your club's profile

Once accredited, your club will be listed on the national database and in other sporting directories that will help you attract new members and to grow.

Clubmark –  your questions answered

What is Clubmark?

Clubmark is an accreditation scheme run by Sport England, which sets the standard for all quality sports clubs in England.

What does Clubmark stand for?

Clubmark stands for higher standards of safety, fairness, coaching and management. That way the nation’s sports club infrastructure will be safer, stronger and more successful.

This means that a club that has been awarded Clubmark has high standards of child protection and safety, quality coaching, equal opportunities and good management.

In essence a club, which qualifies for Clubmark, is a well-run club.

Why should clubs apply for accreditation?

Clubs awarded Clubmark can be proud of what they have achieved. Parents can be assured that their children belong to a safer club. Members can be sure their club is a well-managed club, striving to offer the best in coaching and sports development. By striving to achieve higher standards clubs are likely to attract more members and build a sustainable future. Clubs that apply will receive help and support from their National Governing Body (NGB) to achieve higher standards.  

Are many clubs joining the scheme?

Clubmark is rapidly becoming the national standard for quality sports clubs. More governing bodies of sport are adopting the scheme and nearly 1000 clubs have now achieved Clubmark. But the aim is to reach thousands more sports clubs across the country. Sport England is working with sports organizations, County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) and local authorities to encourage more clubs to raise standards and join.   

What is in it for the clubs?

The Clubmark scheme does not simply set criteria for clubs; it provides the information and support they need to meet the criteria. A resource pack which can be downloaded advises clubs on requirements from running coaching sessions and club structures, to child protection and codes of conduct, to first aid and emergency procedures, to sports equity and recruitment procedures.

The pack also includes a series of useful forms and templates to help staff run their club properly. Once clubs have met the criteria they are awarded a special certificate by their NGB to recognise their achievement.         

What sports use Clubmark now?

Sport National Governing Bodies using Clubmark include Athletics, Rowing, Cycling, Judo, Canoeing, Swimming, Triathlon, Gymnastics, Cricket, Rugby Union, Badminton, Hockey, Squash, Rugby League, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Orienteering, Table Tennis and Netball. All these sports are encouraging their clubs to join the scheme and there has been a big increase in interest recently.

Could Clubmark work alongside other schemes?

Yes. For example golf runs a scheme called Junior Golfmark which aims to create a positive and welcoming environment for children. The English Golf Partnership is now looking to incorporate Sport England’s Clubmark with the golf scheme to ensure there is common benchmarking across different sports. The two schemes should be aligned later this year.

What are the next steps to expand Clubmark across the country?

The National Governing Bodies which already use Clubmark are encouraging more of their clubs to join and more of the NGBs currently not using Clubmark are expected to come into the scheme. The next step will be to expand Clubmark to other organisations that provide sport and active recreation as part of their activities such as Youth Clubs. Also, as awareness of the benefits of being a well-run club increase then so will the demand for properly accredited clubs. Processes for other organisations to award Clubmark such as County Sports Partnerships are also being developed.

Will Clubmark be further improved?  

Yes, over time the criteria of the scheme will be reviewed and new criteria may be introduced to improve the benefit of Clubmark to NGBs and clubs. For example Clubmark can be developed to support volunteer programmes such as Step into Sport. Benefits such as the sharing of best practice between sports will be extended and more resources and information will be made available on the Internet. .  

Where will Clubmark be in 5 years?

The aim is for Clubmark to be established as the accreditation scheme for sports clubs in this country.  That will ensure that the Clubmark criteria of child protection and safety, quality coaching, equality and good management are incorporated into all club structures throughout England. The scheme will be used not only by the National Governing Bodies but also other organisations which run sports clubs for young people so that Clubmark becomes the national standard for quality.