Following the hard work and dedication of volunteers from the three Rugby Union clubs in Tameside, supported by the Tameside Rugby Union Development Group, all now hold the Rugby Football Unions (RFU) Seal of Approval accreditation (Clubmark).

Incorporating Clubmark, the Seal of Approval accreditation is a method of maintaining and improving the provision of rugby in a junior section of a rugby club and recognises the effort and achievement of clubs that achieve the award as they aim to develop quality rugby union experiences for young players.

Aldwinians RUFC are leading the way undertaking the renewal phase of the level 3 award, one of the highest levels for a rugby club in the country, with Ashton-Under-Lyne RUFC currently working towards their level 2, whilst Dukinfield RUFC completed the hat trick by gaining their level 1 in April. Individually gaining these awards is a great achievement for each club, but Tameside is now one of the first multi-clubs in the Borough of Greater Manchester to have all their clubs holding the RFU Seal of Approval accreditation, which is even better.

Over recent years, the junior sections of each club have been growing and this coupled with the gaining of these awards is a testament to the huge amount of hard work that has been put in by volunteers to ensure their clubs provide a safe and well structured environment for young players to learn and play rugby.

The clubs and development group are extremely excited about these achievements and plan to carry on with gaining further Seal of Approval levels.

‘It is a great achievement for the Development Group to have all three clubs gaining Seal of Approval, and is testament to all members that have given up their spare time to help. To have three Rugby Union Clubs expanding and improving as safe, enjoyable and competitive environments within a heavily football dominated area is excellent.' Tim Spiers Chairman of Tameside Rugby Development Group.

'It is great to see Rugby Union in Tameside thriving. This is largely due to the strong evelopment group and community work being delivered in local schools and colleges. Through the hard work of key volunteers, all three clubs within the Borough have now achieved Seal of Approval this identifies that the clubs are safe, welcoming and have sound procedures and structures in place to support their young members. The clubs should all be congratulated on their all their dedication to this process"...Rachel Brown, RFU Rugby Development Manager, Greater Manchester.