On Thursday 23rd January, Newton Aycliffe RUFC, Darlington, welcomed RFU President Bob Reeves to the club to present a special plaque in recognition of them becoming the 500th club in the country to gain RFU accreditation.
The RFU President congratulated all present for securing the prestigious award:
“Having been an integral part of their local community for 55 years, the club richly deserves this recognition. I am delighted to be here to help Newton Aycliffe RUFC celebrate becoming the 500th club to earn RFU accredited status.
“This is a fantastic achievement by the club and a significant milestone for the RFU and everyone involved in grassroots rugby.
“Club rugby lies at the heart of rugby in England the RFU is committed to supporting and strengthening clubs and growing the game in the communities around them.”
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.
The scheme provides a framework for a club to show what it is doing, how it does it, and where it can improve. It allows clubs to exhibit all that is good about rugby in their adult sections, mini and youth, women and girls and touch rugby, while demonstrating that this is all achieved in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Accreditation earns advantages including the Sport England Clubmark together with increased status and credibility with local authorities, educational establishments and potential sponsors.
Netwon Aycliffe’s success means that all clubs in County Durham have now achieved their RFU accreditation under the guidance of RFU Rugby Development Officer Matt Bryan.
Newton Aycliffe RUFC President Rod Shepherd said: “Accreditation has confirmed the club’s commitment to the development of rugby as a major sport and its standing in the community as a respected club, where enjoyment comes first and everyone is welcome to take part in whatever way they are able.
“We’d like to thank the RFU President for taking the time to join us to celebrate this historic day for the club.
“We’d also like to thank RFU Rugby Development Officer Matt Bryan who has been instrumental in enabling us to achieve this success. He has worked incredibly hard to make sure the club is in the best shape it can be and has guided us through the self-assessment process to earn RFU accredited status. His dedication and commitment to the growth of rugby in the North East deserves recognition.
“The club is dependent on a small but dedicated band of volunteers. As is often the case most of the volunteer team undertake more than one role and give a considerable amount of their time to providing an affordable and enjoyable rugby experience to the local community.
“We are also very lucky to have local sponsors including; Boola Clothing Aycliffe, Service Force, Honest John’s Aycliffe Community Kitty, The Mortgage Advice Centre (Darlington & Bishop Auckland), and without them, replacing playing kit, keeping training equipment up to date and organising tours would be impossible.”
Matt Bryan, RFU Rugby Development Officer, said: “I would like to congratulate Newton Aycliffe RUFC on achieving RFU accreditation. Everyone at the club has worked so hard over the past 12 months to ensure they meet the standards required to provide the best possible environment for their players and supporters.
“We have worked together to identify priorities and the club is forward planning for the recruitment and retention of players. They have already been successful in welcoming 10-12 more players for their 1st team squad and are now putting plans in place for a second team and a youth section for the 2014/15 season.”
Bryan Parsonage:said “With a home Rugby World Cup in 2015 we expect to attract even more members. This is a great time for our sport and we can guarantee that anyone getting involved at Newton Aycliffe RUFC will have a marvellous time and make lots of new friends.
“Whether playing rugby, helping out as volunteers or simply watching the games everyone is welcome and they can see from the plaque on the wall that we are right up there with the best.”
RFU President Bob Reeves (front row, third from left) presents Newton Aycliffe RUFC members with plaque marking 500th club to gain RFU accreditation.
