Phoenix and Parkgate AC have taken a major step forward by being recognised by Sport England with Clubmark accreditation, a scheme which is built around core criteria which ensure that accredited clubs operate to a consistent, accepted and adopted, minimum operating standard. Clubmark is endorsed by all the main sporting, youth and education agencies. The award comes after two years of hard work establishing a junior arm to the Club and hosting a series of coaching and other activities for children and juveniles.

The Club’s Junior Section Chairman, Terry Littlewood, said. “We are delighted to have been awarded Clubmark status in recognition of all the effort that has been put in during the last 2 years. But it wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for all the help we have received from others, and I would especially like to thank the Environment Agency, the Coalfield’s Regeneration Trust and South Yorkshire Police for their help in the early stages, Alan Scotthorne for helping with our Rotherham Juvenile match, the Angling Development Board throughout, and Tata Speciality Steels for much valued sponsorship.

All our coaches and volunteers have learned a great deal during the last 12 months and this summer we will be putting much of that into practice working with youth clubs and schools in Rotherham, together with our own junior members.

One of our main objectives during the coming year will be to try to encourage more anglers to volunteer to help, and maybe become coaches. We have the kit; we have the waters, but need more volunteers to help cope with demand. If anyone is interested perhaps they could get in touch with me on 01709 547517.”

Below, coaches Ken Wydell, Peter Nunn, Junior sSction Chairman Terry Littlewood together with Graham Cresswell of Tata, receive the Clubmark certificate from Daniel Ramm of the Angling Development Board.