A new club accreditation scheme is being launched by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council in April 2010 for all clubs, groups, schools and organisations using Local Authority Facilities.
Although some governing bodies, such as football and netball, have their own schemes; Focus Sport Merthyr will be the first scheme to be introduced for all clubs and groups, and will enable Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Leisure Services team to work closer and more efficiently with external providers to set and improve standards of provision in the delivery of sports and physical activity throughout the County Borough.
The scheme, which is funded by the Merthyr Tydfil Partnership Agreement, will become mandatory in April 2012, however it is hoped that 75% of clubs and groups will be signed up before the end of 2010
The first club to be accredited with this accolade is Merthyr Tydfil Shotokan Karate, based at Dowlais Community centre. Instructors Aldo Speroni and Martin Humphreys said “We are very proud to have become the first club to achieve this accreditation, and we would like to thank all of the staff from the Sports Development Office who have guided and supported us to make this possible.”
Deputy Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, and Portfolio Member for Customer Community Services, Councillor Tony Rogers said: “This fantastic new scheme will encourage greater partnership working, not just within the council between the Leisure, Education and Parks departments; but also with external companies wishing to link in with the authority to provide sport and physical activity opportunities.“
A dedicated Sports Development Officer will be allocated to all clubs and groups who wish to enrol on the scheme in order to guide them through the accreditation process.
For further information, contact Wendy Groves, Sports Development Manager on (01685) 725408 or visit www.merthyr.gov.uk.
