Staffordshire Rugby clubs get Seal of Approval

 

Potteries rugby clubs Trentham and Stoke have become the latest Staffordshire clubs to achieve the RFU Mini and Youth Seal of Approval.

 

Trentham have achieved the award for the first time and Stoke have renewed their accreditation for the third time.

 

The RFU introduced the Mini and Youth Seal of Approval accreditation programme 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.

 

The RFU has worked with Sport England to integrate the Mini and Youth Seal of Approval accreditation with the Sport England Clubmark scheme to ensure that safe, effective and child-friendly club standards are met. Any club awarded the RFU Mini and Youth Seal of Approval will also have achieved Clubmark accreditation.

 

The RFU Mini and Youth Seal of Approval and the Sport England Clubmark accreditation scheme are based upon a three-year rolling award system in which a club will be assessed on its continuing ability to provide a safe, effective, child-friendly club environment.

 

A club will qualify in the first year by the completion of the assessment file and the writing of a Three Year Development Plan. By implementing the development plan, with an annual review, a club will continue to be accredited and ensure continuous improvement in provision for the young players at the club.

 

The Award will be indicative of the quality of provision a club offers, and its commitment to the continued development of young rugby players. A club will receive certification to confirm accreditation, both from the RFU and Sport England.

 

For further information on Seal of Approval or Rugby Union please contact:

Tom Bartram
RFU County Development Officer 
E: tombartram@rfu.com  or check out www.rfu.com