Press Release 25 April 2009

Barnard Castle Rugby Union Football Club's Junior Section has been awarded the Rugby Union's prestigious Seal of Approval.  The award was presented to the club by John Owen, the RFU's President Elect, following the 1st XV match on Saturday 25 April.  

The award of the Seal of Approval marks an important milestone in the club's development - the award recognises that the club meets the demanding criteria set by the RFU in areas such as player development, safety and welfare, coaching and refereeing standards, community and school participation, and club organisation and management. The award follows a lot of hard work over a number of years.

The club would particularly like to acknowledge the work that John Lowery has done to ensure that the club meets the requirements for accreditation.

Background

The RFU introduced the Active Sports Seal of Approval accreditation programme as a method of examining, maintaining and improving the provision of rugby in the youth section of an Active Sports 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 Active Sports programme.

The RFU has worked with Sport England to integrate the Active Sports Seal of Approval accreditation with the Sport England Clubmark scheme to ensure that the safe, effective, child-friendly club standards are met. 

The accreditation shows all those with an interest in rugby and sports development that Barnard Castle RFU club is providing its members with a safe, well-organised and enjoyable environment in which to learn and play rugby.