Paragon Valkyrs Hockey Club have become the 4th club on the Island to achieve England Hockey Board’s accreditation scheme for clubs. Clubs who achieve this award also achieve Sport England’s Clubmark accreditation. This award highlights the dedication within the club and how it strives itself on working towards providing a Safe, Effective and Child Friendly hockey Environment. As part of this the club also demonstrates they have Level 2 qualified coaches, policies and procedures in place and a 5 year Development Plan for the club to grow and develop further. Valkyrs ClubsFirst Coordinator Andrea Kneen confirmed ‘Achieving the award has been fantastic. A lot of effort has gone into gaining the award and shows just how much the club has developed over the past few years. This year also sees Valkyrs HC’s 50 year anniversary so to celebrate both within the same year is a wonderful achievement’. As this is a nationally recognised award the process is an extensive one and ensures that only clubs who are working towards minimum operating standards including offering opportunities for Juniors will achieve it. Valkyrs HC have put a lot of time and effort into producing the portfolio evidence the award requires as well as delivering a Junior Hockey session for England Hockey Board’s North West Relationship Manager Julie Longden. Jo Wood, Paragon Director commented ‘As corporate sponsors of Valkyrs we would like to add our sincere congratulations to all involved in the process and accreditation, which we appreciate requires a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment – particularly pertinent given this year’s 50th Anniversary. We are absolutely delighted to be involved with the club, and feel confident this will further assist future development and opportunity, crucial for the Island’s hockey community’ ENDS