TILFORD Cricket Club’s efforts to establish a flourishing junior section have been rewarded by the club receiving Clubmark accreditation from the English Cricket Board.

An accredited club is recognised by the ECB as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages, as well as helping parents and carers know that they are choosing a suitable club for their young people.

Clubmark indicates that a club provides the right environment, ensures the welfare of members and encourages everyone to enjoy sport and stay involved throughout their lives.

“We’ve been working hard on this for a number of months,” said Tilford CC chairman Nigel Martyn. “We’re very proud because there aren’t many I’Anson clubs which have this approval.”

Tilford’s junior section has gone from strength to strength. In its debut season last year, it won the ECB’s London Regional ‘All Stars’ Club of the Year. This year, Tilford became the first club in England to sign up 100 children to the ECB’s flagship training scheme.

The senior club is also growing and introduced a third team into the I’Anson Competition for the first time this season.

Tilford 3rd XI currently lead the newly-created Division Seven, playing alongside the existing first and second teams which compete in the top two divisions.

Tilford are also one of the few clubs in the area to maintain a full Sunday fixture-list. Many of the games are long-established, with teams – a number from London – keen to visit the club with the classic setting of village green, ancient pub and nearby river.