Sport England has launched a cross sport quality mark as part of a wider development strategy for improving sports clubs in England.

Launched following consultation with governing bodies of sport, parents and sports clubs throughout the country, the Clubmark logo will acknowledge clubs that are safe, effective and child-friendly.

The quality mark is supported by the NSPCC backed Chid Protection in Sport Unit and Sports Coach UK.

Designed to complement existing quality schemes from a range of sports, Sport England's new chief executive, David Moffett says Clubmark will be a valuable marketing tool and should also create competition among clubs: 'Sports clubs are the lifeblood of sport in this country and Clubmark will enable parents, teachers and children to select the relevant sports club in their area with real confidence.'

The scheme has been launched alongside Sport England's wider sports strategy, towards a strategy for sports club development. Following the government's Plan for Sport published last year, the strategy is designed to develop a network of accessible, valued and publicly recognised sports clubs across England.

The document is now open for consultation until April 26th 2002, when a working group jointly chaired by Sport England and the Central Council for Physical Recreation, will study the recommendations.