Fylde Rugby Club has been awarded the RFU's Whole Club Seal of Approval accreditation. The accreditation recognises the effort and achievement of volunteers in reaching the standard required in the development of rugby across the whole club, and to plan for the long term sustainability of the club and rugby union.

The RFU introduced the Seal of Approval programme in association with Sport England and the Clubmark 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. It builds on the established procedures of Mini and Youth Seal of Approval. Clubs are assessed by the RFU and must demonstrate evidence of good practice in areas such as club management, player development & recruitment, child protection, sports equity, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.

Fylde Rugby Club has worked closely with Stuart Urquhart, the RFU's Rugby Development Officer for this area of Lancashire and Community Development Team whose primary roles are to support clubs & the local community in developing the provision of rugby for players. The club has developed strong links with the local school and FE/HE establishments supporting the education sector which underpins the largest catalyst to a lifelong involvement in a safe, healthy and fun game. This achievement will see even greater benefits as the whole club moves forward together, which in turn will help even more players, coaches, referees and volunteers enjoy the game to its full potential

The RFU's Community Rugby director Andrew Scoular said: "This accreditation will show all those with an interest in rugby and sports development that Fylde Rugby Club is providing its players & community with a safe, well-organised and enjoyable environment in which to learn and play rugby. Our clubs are the focal point of the RFU club development strategies for many years to come.”

Director of Rugby Mark Nelson said: "This award places the club in the top few clubs nationwide to have achieved this accreditation. The Club strives to deliver quality rugby at all age groups. The accreditation not only recognises what the many Mini-Junior coaches, managers and players have achieved so far but is also a roadmap to the future. I'd also like to acknowledge the efforts of our community coaching team of Alan Holmes and Dave Wilks.

Presenting the Seal of Approval to the Club on Wednesday, 12th August was Lancashire RFU President Cliff Barker. This completes a fine year for the Club and it's bulging trophies cabinet. The Club has been awarded Lancashire Senior Club of the Year, the Ian Sinclair Youth Trust Award for Rugby Development & Fylde Borough's Community Club of the Year, as well as on the pitch victories for the Halbro Trophy, Lancashire U'16s Cup and Lancashire John Burgess Senior Cup. 

Photo (l to r): John Coombes (Leader, Fylde Borough Council), Tom Fitzgerald (Lancashire RFU Operations Manager), Councillor Liz Clarkson (Fylde Borough Council), Imogen Gunson (Fylde Vixens Womens Team), Allan Townsend (Fylde RFC President), Mark Nelson (Fylde RFC Director of Rugby), Dave Wilks (Fylde RFC Community Development Officer), Clair Grant (Fylde Borough Leisure Development Officer), Cliff Barker (President, Lancashire RFU), Alan Holmes (Fylde RFC Academy Manager).