AN Island hockey club has received national recognition from the England Hockey Board.

IOMA Cronkbourne Bacchanalians Hockey Club is the second hockey club in the Island to be awarded the ClubFirst status by the Board.

The accreditation scheme recognises when clubs are providing a safe, effective and child friendly hockey environment.

To gain the accreditation clubs must evidence the work that they do and deliver a junior coaching session for England Hockey’s North West Development Officer.

Hockey development officer in the Isle of Man Kerry Penswick said: "Having two hockey clubs on the Island who have achieved the prestigious accreditation over the past 6 months is a great achievement for hockey on the Island. A third club is very close to accreditation too.

"This highlights the desire within the hockey community to show its dedication to offering hockey within a safe and organised environment."

Clubs who achieve the ClubFirst status also achieve the Sport England Clubmark accreditation - a nationally recognised award for sports clubs.