News Release

 

Ipswich Karate scores double success in National quality award.

 

Northgate Karate and Gainsborough Karate are the first Clubs in the country of their kind to have been awarded nationally-recognised quality award for sports clubs.

 

In order to be awarded Sport England’s Clubmark status, the clubs had to complete a comprehensive assessment file demonstrating that they provide a safe and positive learning environment in which members can develop their skills, as well as ensure their coaches are trained and suitably qualified. 

 

A presentation of the Clubmark Accrediatation was awarded to the two Clubs by Suffolk Sport at St Josephs College, Ipswich, on Sunday 20th November. The presentations took place during during a national club competition for karate associations from all over the country. Representatives from, Ipswich Borough Council, and Suffolk Sport presented the two clubs with their certificate.

 

Bill Williams from Northgate Karate Club said “we found that whilst working toward the award it helped pull the club closer together. It made us more aware of the commitment and dedication required to run a good quality sports club.”

 

While working towards the award, the clubs worked in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council and were given help and advice by Club Development Officer Adam Keer. Adam said, “I am absolutely thrilled for both clubs, it’s a tremendous achievement, especially being the first clubs of their kind in England to gain the recognition they thoroughly deserve through the accreditation scheme. ”

 

The work of the 2 clubs has been noted at a high level within the Karate World. Billy Brennan the President of the Commonwealth Karate Federation said “this type of award will help improve Karate as part of the whole family of sport.”

Billy was thrilled that the 2 clubs from Ipswich have met National Standards. He said ”with this type of work and recognition Karate can successfully move forward and compete on the world stage.”

 

Barry Louis from Gainsborough Karate club highlighted that ”it was 18 months of hard work but we will continue to improve into the future.”

 

If you would like information about joining Northgate Karate Club and Gainsborugh Karate Club please contact Bill Williams on 01473 622707 or Barry Louis on 01473 620835.

Ends

 

Additional Information from:                              Thursday 8th December

Adam Keer

Club Development Officer - Ipswich Borough Council

Tel:01473 433513  

email: adam.keer@ipswich.gov.uk

 

 

Notes to Editor

 

Until recently clubs could only achieve Clubmark accreditation if the National Governing Body of their sport had adopted the scheme.  Suffolk Sport has been working closely with Sport England on a pilot scheme to enable clubs such as these Karate Clubs who cannot access Clubmark through their Governing Body.

 

To date 18 clubs in Ipswich have been awarded Sport England Clubmark status.

 

 

Accompanying photo shows the presentation.

Left to right Adam Keer IBC, Bill Williams Northgate Karate, Mick Blackwell President EKKA, Bary Louis Gainsborough Karate, Jane Horner Suffolk Sport & Billy Brennan President Commonwealth Karate Federation.