WESTBURY Rugby Club is celebrating receiving its Rugby Football Union (RFU) Club Accreditation this month.
The accreditation scheme is designed to recognise quality, committed clubs and assist them to improve.
Club director Paul Couzens said, “This accreditation has lifted the club to another level within the RFU administration scheme and will ensure the club is managed efficiently.
“It is an important achievement for Westbury Rugby Club and its future, and is the result of months of hard work by a committed number of volunteers putting the key drivers in place.
“The directors of the club would like to congratulate and thank all those involved in gaining the award, especially club chairman Gareth Vaughan and committee members Carrie Needham, Simon Higgins and Chris Gillam.
“We should also add that a huge amount of help was given by the RFU development officer Alan Lowe and RFU council member Ron Jones.”
Advantages of the RFU Club Accreditation include the Sport England Clubmark for the youth section; credibility with local authorities and educational establishments; and the status of the RFU brand could attract potential sponsors.
RFU rugby development director, Steve Grainger says of the scheme, “In the lead-up to Rugby World Cup 2015 we are all aware that our clubs are at the forefront in growing and developing the game.
“We want to help them to make sure they are at the very heart of their communities, welcoming new players and volunteers, while developing those they already have. To do this successfully they will all be looking to provide the kind of facilities that attract members and to a club that is well run.”
The scheme recognises and examines the effectiveness of key elements of a club, including its recruitment, development and retention of players and coaches, volunteers and referees; its facilities; its management; and its integration with the community.
Westbury Rugby Club plays at Knott Field at the White Horse Country Park, and has teams for men, women, and children.
For more information about the club go to www.pitchero.com/clubs/westbury
