Clubmark

ECB Clubmark Accreditation

ECB Clubmark is an accreditation scheme for cricket Clubs which shows that a Club is sustainable, well run and provides the right environment for its members. Clubmark accreditation also means your club is recognised as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages, as well as assuring parents and carers that they are choosing the right option for their young people. 

What’s changing and why?

As you will be aware, the current ECB Clubmark accreditation will come to an end in 2025. Over the past 20+ years, Clubmark has helped strengthen club governance and raise standards across recreational cricket. However, since Sport England ended the national scheme in 2019, and following the feedback gathered through our 2023 consultation, it is clear that now is the right time to refresh and refocus what club accreditation means and the value it brings to clubs.

As part of the Thriving Clubs, Connected Communities strategy, the ECB aims to build a more connected and coherent approach to club development. From 2026, ECB Accredited Club status will use Affiliation as the foundation for engaging clubs in the accreditation process -strengthening governance, safeguarding, and sustainability. Clubs will then be supported through the Club Development Pathway, providing the tools, guidance, and learning needed to make sustainable progress. Progress and success will be celebrated through the Club Development Recognition Programme, with all three elements working together to help every club thrive.

Becoming an ECB Accredited Club is not about extra paperwork – it is about providing assurance to clubs that they are set up for success. Accreditation brings clear, practical benefits, helping clubs maintain high standards, operate effectively, attract and retain volunteers and unlock funding. This allows clubs to proudly demonstrate their commitment to providing positive cricket experiences for everyone, fostering safe, welcoming, and sustainable environments where the game can truly thrive.

What does this mean for existing Clubmark Clubs?

Clubs with active Clubmark accreditation (awarded 2022-2025) will retain their status throughout 2026. These clubs will transition to the new ECB Accreditation Programme upon its launch in 2027.

From 2027 onwards:

Affiliation will be evidence-based, requiring clubs to demonstrate documented compliance to achieve accredited status.

By 2027, all affiliated clubs will need to demonstrate compliance with basic affiliation requirements including:

• Signing the Terms & Conditions (T&Cs) of affiliation
• Being fully onboarded onto the Safe Hands Management System (SHMS)
• Having a club constitution
• Having appropriate insurance cover
• Operating a bank account in the club’s name
• Having a basic club structure with clearly defined key roles
• Holding an Annual General Meeting

It is recommended that during 2026 Clubs look to ensure these requirements are in place which will ensure smooth transition in 2027.

Club Affiliation Toolkit

To support you with this, the ECB Core Game Team has created a new Club Affiliation Toolkit. This provides a suite of practical guidance documents and resources for clubs.

NEW CLUBS FOR 2026

There is a pilot scheme in place for any new Clubs wishing to accredit during 2026 – if you would like to explore this further then please contact Kevin Denmark

Further information will be communicated when this is released.

Kevin Denmark
Clubmark Officer
Email: Kevin.denmark@norfolkcricket.co.uk
Tel: 07876 561388