Sunday 23rd January 2011


Click to read the award on RFU.com


Shipston on Stour RUFC were awarded the RFU’s prestigious Whole Club Seal of Approval accreditation on Sunday 23rd January. The accreditation recognises the effort and achievement of volunteers in reaching the standard required in the development of rugby across the whole club. Bob Jones, President of Warwickshire RFU presented the award to Club Chairman Mark Ashworth and Secretary Maxine Williams in a packed clubhouse packed with 300 enthusiastic members of the club including minis, juniors, seniors, seasoned veterans and long-since retired players, together with sponsors, parents and well wishers.

Bob Jones congratulated the club, commenting that "This accreditation will show all those with an interest in rugby and sports development that Shipston RFC is providing its players & community with a safe, well-organised and enjoyable environment in which to learn and play rugby.” Mark Ashworth said  “This is a well-earned award recognising the huge amount of effort put in by club members. I’m particularly proud of our Minis and Juniors section which now underpins the success of our club. This achievement will see even greater benefits as the whole club continues to develop, allowing more players, coaches, referees and volunteers to enjoy the game to its full potential. I’d like to thank the RFU, Sport England and of course our club sponsors for the financial support we have had over the years, which has helped us to create the excellent facilities we now have at Shipston Rugby Club”

The RFU introduced the Seal of Approval programme in association with Sport England and the Club Mark scheme in 2002. The Whole Club Seal of Approval accreditation was introduced in 2009 as a method of ensuring high quality provision of rugby in clubs. Shipston RFC has worked closely with Ben Waterhouse their Rugby Development Officer and the Community Development Team. The Club was assessed by the RFU to be demonstrating the highest standards of good practice in areas such as club management, player development & recruitment, child protection, sports equity, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.