GVC Awarded Guernsey Sports Commission Sportsmark

The Club is proud to be one of the first sports clubs in Guernsey to be awarded the new Guernsey Sportsmark by the Guernsey Sports Commission 

SportsMark will be awarded to any sporting organisation which meets a set of strict criteria around governance, safeguarding and coaching.

A number of the island’s sports such as football, rugby and swimming already have similar accreditation through their National Governing Bodies. 

Steve Sharman, the Sports Commission’s Relationship Director, said the scheme is initially targeting smaller scale operators that rely on the dedication of volunteers. 

"A sporting organisation displaying the SportsMark logo will have provided the GSC with evidence of high standards of welfare and safeguarding, will have shown us the organisation is well managed with appropriate corporate governance, has sound financial practices, has appropriately qualified coaches and a coaching strategy, and has an overall development plan in place for the sport or club.

"We know there are some outstanding local clubs and organisations that deliver high quality sports to our community but there are others who need help to meet even the minimum operating standards. We want to support all our sporting organisations to be the best they can be and reassure those looking to participate, that their chosen sport is safe and well-run."

"We’re incredibly proud  to be one of the first sports on the Island to earn SportsMark," said Mark Smith, GVC president.

"What’s most important for us is that all of our members and parents of kids involved in club activity can be completely confident we uphold the highest levels of governance so that everyone can enjoy our events safely. 

"This is something we’ve worked very hard on as an organisation over the past few years and to be awarded it by the Sports Commission is very exciting"

Mr Sharman said that many of these smaller organisations are eager to show they take their responsibilities seriously and to validate the safeguarding practices already in place.

"Sportsmark will serve to strengthen safeguarding arrangements for children and young people within sport," said Sarah Elliott, Pan Island Independent Chair Safeguarding Partnership Boards, "whilst providing consistent governance from the grass roots upwards across the myriad of sports organisations and clubs that Guernsey, for a small island, is lucky to have."

The Sports Commission’s Sport Development Officer and Safeguarding Lead Jenny Murphy said the accreditation unlocks extra training support from the Commission, meaning the benefits to clubs and organisations are manifold. 

"We want to support clubs to have longevity, be well-run and be a fun and safe place for children and adults," said Ms Murphy. 

"Achieving SportsMark shows the community that your sport is safe, well-run and has high standards of welfare and governance which should help increase participation and ensure that those taking part in your sport or volunteering are well supported.

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