Pudsey Pacers use Club Accreditation as a platform for more great work

Pudsey Pacers, an adult only running club in the Leeds McCain Athletic Network, achieved Club Accreditation and have since developed the club even further. The club decided to gain accreditation as they were fully aware of the potential benefits it could bring.

The club worked hard to achieve club accreditation but said the support they received from Lucy Birkenshaw, their CCSO, was very useful; “Lucy was great, she visited the club on a number of occasions and provided really good advice. She also attended a committee meeting to explain the process and the benefits to the whole committee.”

Since achieving accreditation, the club has used the achievement to really improve. A number of improvements have been made within the club and they have raised their profile within the community. Kevin Meakin explained, “We have used the club accreditation logos as a promotional tool in leaflets and on the website to help show the quality of the club.” He continued, “As a result of promoting that the club is accredited, we have seen an increase in membership.”  Pudsey Pacers have also had the benefit of better access to funding since gaining accreditation. On the back of accreditation, they received a grant to buy flags which they now use at race events.

Kevin discussed some of the other benefits and improvements they have made since being accredited, “We have had improvements in our coaching structure. The club now has coaches specific to ability levels which is a great improvement. I believe we are a far more welcoming club now, with better structure in place. As part of this we have an improved register system, allowing the club to monitor attendance and retain members.”

Pudsey Pacers are a great example of how club accreditation can be used as a foundation to move onto greater success. Summarising his thoughts, Kevin said, “Through the accreditation process we changed little things but they make a huge difference. I have already discussed the benefits with another club and would recommend it to any club.”