Belfast City BMX Club First Cycle Club To Be Awarded ClubmarkNI Certificate

Belfast City BMX Club (BCBC) has become the first cycling club in Northern Ireland to gain the Clubmark award for demonstrating good governance and practice in their junior club, with support and guidance from Belfast City Council.

The ClubmarkNI accreditation scheme, delivered by Belfast City Council in association with SportNI and sports governing bodies, has produced a network of quality clubs across the city which provide safe environments for sports development.

Belfast City BMX Club provides professional coaching and regular competitive opportunities in both the Irish and UK National Championships.

Later this month, 10 members will travel to Bordeaux, France to compete in the 2017 European BMX Championships, representing Ireland. The championships are set to attract 50,000 visitors over six days to watch 2,800 riders from 27 countries pedalling for pole position.

The ClubmarkNI bronze certificate was presented to the club at the Ormeau Park practice track by Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuala McAllister, who said: "It's fantastic to see Belfast City BMX Club's professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment to their sport recognised through ClubmarkNI accreditation. We've made a commitment in our Belfast Agenda to making Belfast a great place to live for everyone, where everyone experiences good health and wellbeing, actively participates in life and fulfils their potential.

"It's clear to see that BCBC is helping us to deliver on those objectives by providing accessible opportunities for children to live active lives, to commit to physical training, experience the thrills and spills of competition, make friends for life and to be part of a really supportive community. I wish them every success for the future, especially as they prepare to compete in the European BMX Championships this month."

Paul Manton, Belfast City BMX Club Chairman added: "We're delighted to have gained ClubmarkNI accreditation. It's a big vote of confidence in our club, a tribute to our members' commitment, and a significant building block in our journey to increase participation in BMX, which is now an Olympic sport.

"We welcome new members of any age from right across the city to join us for training sessions, competitions – and lots of fun in a supportive and friendly environment. As interest in BMX continues to build globally, it's our ambition to build a national standard BMX race track in Belfast. We look forward to strengthening partnerships with both Belfast City Council and SportNI to help achieve that vision, so that local kids can reach their full potential and Belfast can be recognised as a serious contender on the international stage."

A new Clubmark process is currently being developed which will allow Senior and Junior clubs - and clubs with both Senior and Junior sections to gain accreditation and the benefits of Clubmark. The new expanded awards will focus on the areas of Safeguarding, Creating a Safe Environment, Quality Coaching and Competition, Effective Management and Community Engagement. Belfast City Council hopes to offer this new process from September this year.

(MH/LM)