There will be a number of important changes to the ECB’s club accreditation and affiliation processes, which will come into effect from 2026.
Headline Changes:
- New ECB Accredited Club Status will replace the current Clubmark accreditation from 2026, with a full rollout in 2027. This new approach is designed to strengthen club governance, safeguarding, and sustainability.
- Club Affiliation will become the foundation for accreditation with a phased transition:
- 2026 will be a transition year, focusing on preparation and understanding new requirements. Signing of the Terms & Conditions (T&Cs) of Affiliation is mandatory.
- From 2027, affiliation will be evidence-based, with clubs required to demonstrate compliance in key areas such as governance, safeguarding, and operations.
Key Information for 2026:
- Existing Clubmark Clubs: Clubs with a valid Clubmark accreditation (awarded 2022-2025) will retain their accredited status throughout 2026. This will allow them to continue to meet the accreditation requirements for Premier League participation, overseas player sponsorship, and grant funding applications during this period.
- 2026 Pilot Programme: A pilot accreditation programme will run for clubs not currently holding Clubmark but interested in achieving accredited status ahead of the full 2027 launch. Details of this programme will be shared by RCBs in the coming weeks.
- Supporting Resources: A comprehensive ECB Guide to Club Affiliation for Clubs 2026 has been developed, which includes the vital guidance document on Affiliation and the T&Cs for clubs. We encourage Premier Leagues to share this toolkit with their clubs to aid understanding and preparation.
Clubs are encouraged to engage with Cumbria Cricket if there are any queries, review the Club Affiliation Toolkit and prepare for the mandatory signing of the affiliation T&Cs in 2026.
This is an exciting step forward in supporting clubs to thrive and provide safe, welcoming, and sustainable environments for cricket.
