Clubmark

ClubMark CMYK

After what seems a very long time since we started our initial enquiry to British Cycling we have finally had confirmation that our application has been successful, and we are now officially a Clubmark club! It's been quite a slog to put our case together with everything else that's been going on, quite apart from the racing. General Manager Terry Kirkup was almost tempted to raise a glass when he heard the fantastic news yesterday from BC's Go-Ride team at its headquarters in Manchester!

Northumbria CSC Celebrate Achieving Go-Ride Clubmark Status

23/03/2016

Joining a select group of cycling clubs across the country, Northumbria CSC has fulfilled the necessary criteria to achieve British Cycling’s Go-Ride Clubmark status and now holds this prestigious accreditation. Clubmark is a universally acknowledged cross sport scheme introduced by Sport England for community sports clubs which recognises high standards in welfare, equity, coaching and club management.

Clubs are required to submit a portfolio of evidence to show that they meet the relevant criteria, including suitably qualified volunteers, regular coaching sessions and club development plans. Throughout the application process, Northumbria CSC demonstrated an environment that ensures member welfare and promotes cycling as a lifelong sport.

First launched in 2011 Northumbria CSC now has a thriving membership of twenty five. Coaches hold sessions at Cramlington Sporting Club which offers young riders an ideal traffic free cycling venue, an opportunity to improve bike handling skills and a pathway into cycle sport.

Lorna Bennett, British Cycling Regional Development Manager for the North East said of the achievement:

“My congratulations go out to Northumbria CSC on achieving Go-Ride Clubmark status. The coaches and volunteers work extremely hard to provide opportunities for young people to get involved in cycling, and I look forward to continue supporting them in the future as I’m sure that the club will go on to do great things."

Sessions at Northumbria CSC run every Tuesday evening from 6:30 pm plus most Saturday afternoons from 1:00 pm and new riders are more than welcome to turn up and have a go. For further information please visit the club’s website: northumbriacsc.org .

For more information on British Cycling’s Clubmark accreditation process, visit: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubmark

Knowles Acknowledged

Andy Knowles receives his belated "Vikings Clubman of the Year 2016" award from Sheffield Team Manager Adrian Brownell. This is the second year running that our semi-detached (Middlesborough) Mister Dependable has won this award in recognition of not only his fabulous support in travelling with a home team 30 miles distant, but also his totally unselfish on-track performances which have also made him our Bonus Point King.

Club Coach to Luxury Coach!

Saturday 29th October 2016 and our British Cycling Head Coach, Richie Smith joins a very select band of fully-qualified Cycle Speedway Coaches at Wednesfield, elevating himself from Lord to God at the Vikings lair. Not sitting on his newly-won laurels, Richie immediately sizes up some opportunities for winter indoor racing at several venues on Tyneside should the desire to race be strong enough. Some interest has already been shown by several of Terry Kirkup's Team Midaircrisis mountain bike club colleagues so we may see some fresh talent if this comes off.