Cryptic crossword clue
New members taking part? Returning group excellent 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word INITIATES

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
I
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "New members" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case new members = initiates.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does INITIATES mean?

INITIATES noun
  1. A new member of an organization.
  2. One who has been through a ceremony of initiation.
INITIATES verb
  1. To begin; to start.
  2. To instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.
  3. To confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.
  4. To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative.

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