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SRFC Seal of Approval Presentation
Seaford RFC was formed in 1938 and is the smallest club in Sussex and possibly England to be awarded the prestigious England Rugby Football Union Seal of Approval.
Seaford RFC was formed in 1938 and is the smallest club in Sussex and possibly England to be awarded the prestigious England Rugby Football Union Seal of Approval. The club received the award for its work with coaching Mini and Youth players aged 6 – 18. Over 50 youngsters from 15 schools and colleges in Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Eastbourne, Lewes and Brighton turn up each Sunday to play against other clubs and to be coached by a small but dedicated team of club members and parents.
The Seal of Approval is awarded to clubs which meet 44 criteria across 12 strands which ensure that very high standards are maintained and developed. The club’s coaching team provide the best possible care, coaching and playing experience.
The Seal of Approval and Sports Mark awards were presented to the club last Sunday. The presentations took place on a well attended day with coaching sessions for the Mini players and matches against Shoreham at under 11, Pullborough at U.15 and Hastings Colts at U.18, with the home sides winning all three games. Around 250 players, parents, club coaches, members and invited guests attended the presentations. The special guests were Francis Baron OBE (Chief Executive of the England RFU 1999 – 2010) who presented the Seal of Approval, Norman Baker (MP for Lewes and Seaford and Secretary of State for Transport )who presented the Sports Mark, Mal Chumbley (England RFU Regional Development Officer), Peter Bailey (President of Sussex RFU) and Martin Cornforth (Deputy Mayor of Seaford).
On awarding the Seal of Approval certificate to Ian Newby (Chairman of Seaford RFC) Francis Baron said ‘the RFU Seal of Approval accreditation is a wonderful achievement for the club and this presentation is the best organised and the best attended of any that I have been to.’
The Mini and Youth membership is strong and vibrant which provides a firm foundation for the future and it should soon be possible for the club to, once again, run four senior sides and a colts in addition to the Mini and Youth teams.
Stan Turner
12/03/2011