More clubs in Scotland start to recognise the benefits of the Go-Ride programme which has resulted in three more clubs achieving accreditation recently. Currently, there are six Accredited Clubs in Scotland, with more to follow.

Clubmark is a cross-sport quality accreditation scheme for clubs with junior sections and is designed to highlight sports clubs that meet the high standards necessary to work with children and young people. Go-Ride Clubmark Accreditation is Scottish Cycling's club development programme aimed at improving both young riders and clubs. It focuses on volunteers and young members - improving coaching standards and increasing the number of young riders with access to coaching activities.

Wallace Warriors

Stirling Bike Club's youth section, the Wallace Warriors, have achieved Scottish Cycling's Go-Ride Clubmark Accreditation. This is a huge milestone for the Club placing them firmly on the map as the first cycling club in the Mid of Scotland to receive this award, and the fourth in Scotland. The Wallace Warriors have worked extremely hard to get the required policies and procedures in place with a dedicated group of volunteers who made it all possible. The Club has now been awarded with the prestigious Go-Ride Clubmark award. More information can be found on the Club's website www.stirlingbikeclub.org.uk

Neil Smith, the Club's Development Officer said: "This is an excellent achievement for the Club, it demonstrates the commitment its volunteers and members have, and recognises all the hard work and effort that can be seen week in week out - and ultimately the development of youths at such an exciting time for cycling".

Alison Lunn, Scottish Cycling's Development Manager, presented the Award and stated:

"I was delighted to be able to present the Clubmark Award to the Wallace Warriors on behalf of everyone at Scottish Cycling. This is a major achievement and great recognition for the Club and it sends an important message that this is the place to be for youth cyclists of all ages living in the Stirling area. I would like to congratulate the club coaches and all the other volunteers for the fantastic work that they have put in place."

Stepping Stanes

Stepping Stanes was the next club in Scotland to complete the process. They were the first club in Dumfries & Galloway to get the Award and play a huge role in youth cycling development in the South West of Scotland. With a dedicated group of volunteers and support from key partners, such as the Forestry Commission, SWestrans and G & G Cycle Centre, the Club's managed to tick the boxes and become the fifth club to achieve Accreditation. More information can be found on: www.steppingstanes.co.uk

Steve McCreadie, the Club's Chair Person said:
"Stepping Stanes Youth Cycling Development club is thrilled to be the first Go Ride Accredited club in Dumfries and Galloway and only the fifth in Scotland to achieve this award. Dumfries and Galloway is a fabulous place for all kinds of biking. By setting up a network of Go Ride clubs, Stepping Stanes is transforming the opportunities for young people to have fun, improve their abilities and make the most of the world class facilities here."

Gary Willis, Scottish Cycling's Performance Manager commented:
"It is a fantastic achievement for the Club and sends an important message that this is a strong club with great coaches. I would like to congratulate all the volunteers for the effort they have put in since Stepping Stanes were formed last year and it is hard to believe what has been achieved in such a short period of time. The popularity of cycling is at an all time high since the 2008 Summer Olympics and it is through Clubs such as Stepping Stanes that we will find the Chris Hoy's and Ross Edgar's of tomorrow, especially with Glasgow 2014 on the Horizon."

Colin Williamson, Forestry Commission Scotland Project Manager added:
"This is a great achievement for Stepping Stanes and will help them encourage more and more young people in the region to get into cycling and, in particular, mountain biking. With the world famous 7stanes trails on their doorstep, it's important that young riders have the skills, confidence and techniques to enjoy these trails and Stepping Stanes is playing a vital role in achieving this."

Alistair Speedie, Lead Officer and Secretary to the SWestrans Board stated:
"SWestrans is delighted to be supporting Stepping Stanes as part of the Dumfries Sustainable Travel Demonstration Town initiative. By encouraging young people to get more involved in cycling now we hope that they will be less dependent on cars in the future."

John McLintock, Manager of G & G Cycle Centre said:

"G and G cycle Centre is proud to be able to support Stepping Stanes and to sponsor up to four riders a year. Dumfries and Galloway truly is Scotland's Biking Heaven and it's tremendous to see a new club established to help more young people develop the confidence and ability to make the most of the fantastic amenities available across the region"

Wolfpax Riders

Wolfpax Riders is the latest club in Scotland to achieve Go-Ride Clubmark Accreditation; they are the first club in the Scottish Highlands to do so. The Club's based in the Badenoch area at Wolftrax, which has been the ideal location to site a Mountain Bike Club. Over the forthcoming year some of the riders intend to break onto the competitive scene, whilst others in the Club are keen to keep it fun and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere the Club has. There is a junior mountain bike first aid and bike maintenance project to complete over the next 2 years, and the committee is keen to develop local competitive events. The Club has had help from many organisations, but in particular the Cairngorm National Park Authority and Leader Plus, Local Sports Council, and Buff. For more information, check out the Club's website: www.wolfpaxriders.com

Catriona Strivens, the Club's Secretary, was thrilled to receive the Award:
"Go-Ride Clubmark Accreditation is a huge accolade for any club to achieve, and we are so proud to achieve this so early in the Club's development. A huge contribution has been made by dedicated members on the committee, and this really shows in the quality of the tuition, and the fun had by the junior members. To get this Accreditation and 3rd place in the HSDA (Highland Sports Development Association) club of the year award in the same week is such an achievement."

Alison Lunn, Scottish Cycling's Development Manager added:

"With a sixth Club in Scotland achieving Go-Ride Clubmark Accreditation, the Wolfpax Riders have shown that clubs in most parts of Scotland are committed to contribute to the development of cycling for young people. They are the first to accomplish this in the North of Scotland and on behalf of everyone at Scottish Cycling I would like to congratulate the Club with this amazing achievement. It was a great honour for me to present the Award to the Club and I'm sure we'll hear more about the Wolfpax Riders."