Huddersfield Giants have been awarded Category 1 Academy status following a detailed assessment of their performance and structure.

The John Smith’s Stadium club are one of 12 to achieve the mark.

It is the first time clubs have been assessed in such detail and builds on the successful Academy accreditation system that has taken place in each of the last four years.

Six clubs – Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings and Wigan Warriors – have been rated as ‘outstanding’ in recognition of the excellence of their junior development programmes from age 12 upwards.

Five other clubs – Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Catalans Dragons – have been rated as ‘good’ after making significant improvements over the last 12 months.

Castleford Tigers were rated as ‘requires improvement’ but the assessment recognised the strides the club has made since last year.

London Broncos and Salford Red Devils did not reach the required standards for Category 1 standard.

Under the accreditation process, clubs are assessed in three key areas:

Quality of leadership and management – the strategy and vision of the Academy and progress made.

How well academies meet the needs of players - the welfare, education and safeguarding that is in place.

Delivery of player development system - the approaches used to optimise the development of players through to first grade and England.