3rd September 2012

Sheppey celebrate prestigious club accreditation

 

Sheppey Rugby Football Club has gained a prestigious award by achieving RFU Club Accreditation status.

 

Having been the first club in Kent to have achieved the RFU Seal of Approval in 2004, it was natural that Sheppey would want to progress to whole club accreditation.

 

Neil Golding, the Sheppey chairman, said: “RFU Club Accreditation has confirmed our commitment to the development of rugby as a major sport and its standing in the community as a respected club where enjoyment is valued and everyone is welcome to take part.

 

“The club is dependent on a small but totally dedicated team of volunteers. Many take on more than one role and devote considerable amount of time to provide a well organised and structured experience.”

 

The Rugby Football Union Club Accreditation scheme aims to help all rugby clubs in England become stronger, more effective, more efficient and more enjoyable places to play rugby.

 

Accreditation earns advantages like the Sport England Clubmark recognising the excellence of the mini and youth section together with increased status and credibility with local authorities, educational establishments and potential sponsors.

 

Golding added: “We pride ourselves on being a community club with ambitious plans for the future, and this accreditation gives us the confidence and recognition we deserve.

 

“I am deeply grateful to all our sponsors who support us and particularly to Kerry Jones and Karen Gray who led us to this status

 

“Above all I am pleased for all our members who can rightly boast that they are part of Sheppey RFC.”

 

Gordon Henderson welcomed the award. He said:

 

“I am delighted that Sheppey Rugby Club has received RFU Club Accreditation. It is a well merited recognition of the fantastic contribution that the Club makes to Sheppey, not only on the rugby field, but in all sorts of ways that help the wider community.”

 

As part of the recognition, the Club have been awarded the RFU Accreditation plaque and certificates.