Eastern Counties Rugby Union

On Saturday 22 November, at the occasion of the unveiling of a new rugby strip recognising Club sponsors International Flavours and Fragrances, Martin Tomlinson the President of Sawston Rugby Club proudly accepted a plaque presented by Andrew Sarek the Rugby Football Union's Council Member representing the Eastern Counties to acknowledge the Club has reached a milestone in its history by obtaining RFU Accreditation status.

Sawston RFC is the 31st club out of 48 in Eastern Counties to have achieved the Accreditation.

RFU Accreditation recognises the efforts and achievements of volunteers in reaching standards required across the whole range of activities within a rugby club; in planning for the long term sustainability of the club in the local community and the development of rugby union in general.

Clubs are assessed by the RFU and must demonstrate evidence of good practice in areas such as club management, player development and recruitment, sports equity, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.

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 in which to play rugby.

Accreditation earns advantages such as the Sport England Clubmark and promotes increased status and credibility with local authorities, educational establishments and potential sponsors.

Jonathan Pearce, the RFU's Rugby Development Officer says "the Sawston Club has greatly benefited by going through this process. A strategy has now been set out in an action plan that will encourage the driving up of playing standards. The Club has committed to build stronger links with the local area thus cementing it's future in the community. "