Cheshire Golf Club hits the mark with national golf accreditation for safeguarding

Woodside Golf Club in Cranage has been awarded England Golf’s SafeGolf accreditation .

The 9/18-hole membership and play and pay course on Knutsford Road has just received the SafeGolf mark, demonstrating the club’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people, as well as adults at risk in the sport of golf.

In order to be awarded the accreditation, Woodside had to fulfil a number of criteria and ensure policies were up to date and staff and volunteers specially trained in safeguarding.

Woodside director Marie-Therese Whelan said: “We are already very family-orientated. We are a family-run business and facilities like the 9/18 hole main course, the par 3 as well the footgolf and mini-golf mean we can welcome all ages to play together. Serving our members and customers in a safe, caring environment has always been at the forefront of what we do here. This accreditation puts the England Golf seal of approval on that.”

Woodside’s Club Welfare officer, Sue Powner said: “Woodside is such a family-friendly, welcoming Club and we want everyone who visits us to feel welcome and safe here. Taking on the role of the club Welfare and Safeguarding officer has been important to me to assist the organisation in protecting the health, safety and welfare of young people and vulnerable adults in the pursuant of their sport.”

The club also have a new professional, Damon Wood, who, as well as taking adult lessons, is setting up a junior academy at the club.

The award was presented to Woodside by Ben Johnson, England Golf’s Northern Club Support Officer. He said: “I’m delighted that Woodside has achieved SafeGolf and that its efforts to grow the game can be nationally recognised.

” The SafeGolf is a partnership of UK golf bodies committed to promoting a safe and positive environment for all those participating, working and volunteering in the sport of golf.

The SafeGolf partnership consists of members from the golfing bodies across Great Britain & Ireland and has been established to help golf respond to the issue of child protection in sport. Its mission is to safeguard the welfare of children and young people, as well as adults at risk, in the sport of golf.

SafeGolf is firstly, a website:

http://www.safegolf.org

– through which anyone with a concern about the welfare of a player, or the behaviour or practice of a coach, volunteer, organiser, parent or a player, can contact the lead safeguarding officer at their national governing body.

Secondly, it is the safeguarding standard England Golf will promote to all their affiliated clubs to ensure all clubs provide a safe and positive experience to children and young people whilst playing golf. The PGA are also using the standards to apply to all their PGA professional Coaches.

To find an accredited coach, visit the site:

http://www.safegolf.org

 A full list of clubs and facilities that that uphold the standards of SafeGolf will also be on the site in the near future. For more information or to book a round of golf, footgolf or mini golf at woodside call 01477 532388. For more information about golf lessons at Woodside, visit:

http://www.mygolftribe.com