The ECB continues to work with Sport England on the pioneering club accreditation scheme 'Clubmark' to develop a vibrant and healthy club cricket infrastructure.

Cricket clubs can play a key role in the successful delivery of Building Partnerships – cricket's strategic plan for 2006-2009 - by supporting the delivery and implementation of the following programmes:

• Focus Club Community Cluster Programme
• Affiliated Club and League services
• Workforce development
• Player development
• Facility development
• Competitions development
• A Chance to shine programme

The ECB Clubmark and community cricket clubs play a central role in all of these programmes and Clubmark will provide the standards that clubs involved in these programmes will aspire to.

In addition, it is expected that clubs who achieve the ECB Clubmark will be recognised and rewarded for their hard work and commitment to club cricket in England and Wales.

By registering to work towards ECB Clubmark, clubs join a growing number of cricket clubs across England and Wales that are prioritising junior development, creating a benchmark for high quality community club cricket.

County Cricket Development Managers can help clubs through the process of achieving ECB Clubmark Accreditation.

ECB Clubmark gives clubs an opportunity to write and implement new procedures as well as acknowledge existing practices. Cricket clubs are required to present evidence and demonstrate implementation across four different themes, culminating in the production of a Club Development Plan.

The four themes are:

• Duty of Care and Safeguarding Children
• The Cricket Programme
• Sports Equity and Ethics
• Club Management

For more information see www.ecb.co.uk/clubmark