Egremont Scoop RFU Seal of Approval Award

20th October 2010

Egremont RUFC continue development with RFU Seal of Approval Award

The RFU introduced the Mini and Youth Seal of Approval accreditation programme in 2002 as a method of examining, maintaining and improving the provision of rugby in the mini and youth section of a rugby club. Building upon current good practice, the accreditation aims to recognise the effort and achievement of those clubs that reach, maintain and improve on the required standard of a club committed to the provision of quality rugby union experiences for young players.

Egremont RUFC are one of the most recent Clubs in Cumbria to gain the award thanks to hard work of the Club Committee and to the Community Sports Development Officer Rachael Jackson for coordinating the whole programme. The award is not only issued by the RFU but comes along with the Sport England 'Clubmark' Award which ensures clubs are a safer environment for young people, but also opens up access to additional funding streams as an extra incentive.

The award was presented by RFU Rugby Development Officer - Liam Nicholls to Club Chairman - Mark Finlinson as they were watched by; Shuggie Moran - Club President, Stuart McNee - Youth Chairman, Rachael Jackson Community Sports Development Officer, Kim Wilson - Copeland BC Sports Development Officer.

The award is another foundation on which the club are building a strong product to recruit and retain players but also to encourage more people to participate in sporting activity on their multi sport complex. Current redevelopment of the Clubhouse as well as a new changing block have certainly made the club's facilities second to none and the increase of players both youth and adult is testament to that. Egremont's continued development and growth is down to a keen, enthusiastic and dedicated group of volunteers who are desperate to see the club sustainable in the longer term by providing a multitude of activities for the local community.

'Getting the Mini and Youth Seal Of Approval is a great achievement for the club, it means we now have recognition for all the hard work that is being done behind the scenes by the committee, coaches and other volunteers that put in a great deal of time and effort. We will continue this hard work and look to achieve the Whole Club Seal of Approval soon' Said Rachael Jackson - Community Sports Development Officer.

'The coaching throughout the club has a great reputation in the local community and the club are traditionally known for nurturing local talent, of which many have gone on to gain representative honours in the game at various levels' said Liam Nicholls.

'Egremont RU plays such a major role in the community it serves and this fantastic achievement shows the dedication and commitment by the club, it volunteers and members. They have overcome so much in the last year and gone from strength to strength and should be very proud in getting this award which will only allow the club to continue to grow' said Kimberley Miller - Copeland BC Sports Development Officer.

If you are interested in participating in Rugby Union or would like more information on the activities on offer at the club please visit their website or call Rachael Jackson on 07590 438 410.