Councils team up to launch sport kite mark scheme

Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham Sport Development Units & Glyndwr University have joined forces to launch the Supporting Volunteers Kite Mark to recognise community sports organisations that are committed to supporting and developing their volunteers.

The Supporting Volunteers Kite Mark has been developed by the Sport Wales Regional Coach and Volunteer Development Team to promote good practice in the recruitment, training, deployment and retention of coaches and volunteers.

Signing-up to working towards the Kite Mark, will have a number of benefits for community clubs and sport organisations including free Sport Coach UK training, wider access to and support in recruiting and developing volunteers and advice and guidance from the local authority Sport Development Team.

The Kite Mark has been designed to be accessible to all sporting organisations, bearing no cost implications for a club.  It will offer a chance for some clubs to gain recognition for the work which they already do while for other clubs it will be a chance to develop volunteer support structures by working towards achieving the mark.

Speaking about the launch of the Supporting Volunteers Kite Mark, Sport Flintshire Coach and Volunteer Coordinator Gareth Hayes said:
“Volunteers are the life blood of community sport and the launch of this Kite Mark signifies Sport Wales and the local authorities’ commitment to supporting community sport organisations in providing a positive and worthwhile volunteer experience that will contribute to a lifelong involvement as a sports volunteer.”

Sport Wales North Wales Regional Manager, Graham Williams added:
“The Supporting Volunteers Kite Mark is the first of its kind in Wales and I am sure will provide huge benefits to local sports clubs and their volunteers across Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire. 

“Volunteers are key to ensuring that every child in Wales has the opportunity to become hooked on sport for life.  It is therefore encouraging to see partners coming together in this way to launch a scheme that will benefit those wanting to volunteer within their local community.  We hope that this launch will inspire others to adopt a similar approach across the country.”

For further information regarding the Supporting your Coaches Kite Mark, please contact your local Coach and Volunteer Coordinator. Please find details below:

Flintshire - Gareth Hayes:  gareth.m.hayes@flintshire.gov.uk  (01352) 702465
Denbighshire - Matthew Hilliker:  matthew.hilliker@denbighshire.gov.uk  (01824) 712700
Wrexham - Thomas Robertson:   thomas.robertson@wrexham.gov.uk    (01978) 292088
 
For more information please contact Claire Nicholson at Sport Wales on 02920 338366.