Club News25/03/03 St. John’s making sport safer for young people

Tuesday 25th of Feb was a very special night for St. John’s GAC when we were the only GAA club in the Belfast area to be awarded with the Junior Goldclub award from the Sports Council for N.I by Professor Eric Saunders.

The Junior Goldclub scheme is a Quality Assurance Scheme for sports clubs. The scheme challenges clubs to meet a number of criteria relating to the following areas:

(i) Frequency and duration of coaching of sessions, (ii) The profile of coaches
(iii) Administration, (iv) Safety, (v) The care and development of young people

Central to the Clubmark Award Scheme is child protection and the need for clubs to protect both the young people in their care and volunteers, who are giving time and dedication to the club.

St. John's Terry Oliver, Frank Maskey and Tony McNulty receive the
Goldmark Award from Professor Eric Saunders (Chairman of the Sports Council)

The scheme is also concerned about ensuring quality sporting opportunities to all children regardless of their ability.

The number of qualified coaches and our open membership policy impressed the Sports Council. They noted that we offered good informed support and personal development to all our members and during their assessment of the club the assessor stated that he was extremely impressed with the management of the juvenile section and the commitment of the coaches and volunteers involved.

The continued development and commitment of all involved at St. John’s has now paid off with the club being recognised with such a prestigious award.

Frank Maskey