WINNINGTON Park Ladies are setting the standard on and off the pitch.

The club were recently awarded ClubsFirst accreditation while the first team continue to march on towards the Cheshire Women’s League Division One title.

The nationally recognised award, granted by England Hockey, is gained by clubs that demonstrate they are providing a safe, effective and child friendly hockey environment.

The award represents 18 months of hard work by the coaches, volunteers and players at the club who had to produce a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

Leona Trimble, Winnington’s ClubsFirst co-ordinator, said: “We found working towards and achieving England Hockey ClubsFirst a challenging but rewarding experience.

“We now have a development plan in place and I believe we will continue to grow and develop in the future.

“This award shows we are committed to junior hockey and are following the correct guidelines to ensure that hockey at Winnington Park Ladies is good fun, has quality coaching and is safe”.

Park Ladies are only the eighth Cheshire club to receive this award and are now nationally recognised by sporting bodies and funding agencies as a priority club.

Meanwhile, the Ladies’ first team’s domination of Division One means that silverware is surely on its way to Winnington.

As league leaders Park are 10 points clear of nearest rivals Oxton, having won nine of their 11 games with just seven league encounters remaining.

Park Ladies train at Sir John Deane’s College on Tuesday nights; juniors 6.30-7.30pm and seniors 7.30-8.30pm. There are playing opportunities at under 13, U14 and U16 levels. For more information, contact Leona Trimble on 01772 894908.