Department of Community, Culture and Leisure’s Sports Development Unit is pleased to announce that Manx Telecom Vikings Hockey Club has become the 3rd ClubsFirst accredited club on the Island. This recognises the hard work that Vikings have put in over the past few years to ensure they are running as a safe, effective and child friendly Hockey Club. ClubsFirst is England Hockey Board's accreditation scheme for clubs. It is a national recognition that clubs can demonstrate that they are working towards minimum operating standards. All clubs achieving ClubsFirst also achieve the Sport England Clubmark accreditation, a nationally recognised award for sports clubs. Achieving the ClubsFirst award highlights that Manx Telecom Vikings Hockey Club has supported each of its coaches to attend relevant coaching courses to progress its own development, as well as having the correct policies and procedures in place to ensure the club is running effectively. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said “It’s fantastic to see yet another local hockey club on the Island achieving this award, and that all their hard work has been nationally recognised.’’ Hockey Development Officer Kerry Penswick explained: “Manx Telecom Vikings Hockey Club have done an exceptional job in achieving this award and knowing all of the hard work they have put into their accreditation they thoroughly deserve the recognition. This year has seen 3 Hockey Clubs achieve this award which is fantastic for the sport and identifies the Developments within Hockey on the Island.’’ -Ends-