YMCA have become the first club across the Kirklees area to have been awarded the prestigious Rugby Football Union’s Club Accreditation.
The RFU Accreditation recognises the efforts and achievement of volunteers in reaching the standard required in the development of rugby across the whole club, and in planning for the long term sustainability of the club and game of rugby.
To mark their achievement, the club were presented with a certificate by RFU Development Officer Hamish Pratt, the former player, captain and coach of nearby Huddersfield RU.
“The Accreditation is basically the rubber-stamping for the development processes which the club have put in place,” said Pratt.
“YMCA have done really well to gain this award which is a reward for the tremendous effort put in by the coaches, officials and helpers at the club, and those who gain accreditation are the clubs we at the RFU are looking to promote.”
Clubs are assessed by the RFU and must demonstrate evidence of good practice in areas such as club management, player development and recruitment, child protection, sports equity, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.
The 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 excellent standard of the club’s mini and youth section together with increased status and credibility with local authorities, educational establishments and potential sponsors.
Club secretary Grahame Nasey, who led the process for the club said: “It’s a great pat on the back for all those who put so much effort into the club to make it what it is and confirms we are doing it right.
“It is gratifying that these efforts have been formally recognised and appreciated by the RFU.”
Having been recognised with the Accreditation Award, the club must continue to maintain the standard as the RFU make regular reviews and can withdraw it, should standards not be maintained to a satisfactory standard.
