Hinckley RFC received their RFU Seal of Approval - Year 1 Status, and Sport England Quality Clubmark accreditation at the end of last season in March, ensuring the club follows best practices in developing both the club and youth rugby.

The club's volunteers are continuing to build upon this achievement with the launch of the new Hinckley RFC Community Coaching Scheme, as outlined in the club's development plan - an integral part of the RFU Seal of Approval accreditation.

This scheme, which will be run by two of the club's very own young ex-Colts players, Sam Swift and Ash Jones, kicked off today in a pilot at Burbage Junior School, Hinckley, Leics. The first 5 weeks of the scheme will initially introduce approx 100 Year 4 kids to Tag Rugby, through a series of structured training session, drills and games; and then be expanded to up to 10 local schools - a great example of the club's own players working with local school children, enabling the sport to continue to grow at grass roots level.

David Coe, President of the Leicestershire RFU, presented the RFU Seal of Approval certificate to the Hinckley RFC Joint Chairman Phil Oakes, who helped drive the Seal of Approval accreditation activities within the club. Paul Green, Hinckley RFC Chairman, and Mini's and Juniors Chairmen, Stuart Elder and Kim Swift, all welcomed the accreditation with the enthusiastic support of Richard Harris, Burbage Junior School Headmaster.

David Coe was impressed with the club's progress... "Not only have Hinckley RFC achieved the Seal of Approval accreditation, but they've put it straight to work in devising a scheme which enables the club, it's young coaches, and local school children to benefit - a fantastic achievement which takes Hinckley RFC to being one of the top clubs in Leicestershire, in developing youth rugby"

Club Chairman, Paul Green was delighted with the recognition, "Our Mini and juniors sections continue to go from strength to strength, and are playing a significant role in developing the club - it's great to see our ex Colts players take up these coaching opportunities, and play a part in developing the young players of the future - this is ‘Grass Roots Rugby' at it's best."

Kim Swift and Stuart Elder, Mini's and Juniors Joint Chairmen, thanked last season's Mini's and Juniors Chairmen Richard Jackson and Phil Oaks, "Achieving the Club accreditation last year under Richard and Phil's leadership was a significant achievement in it's own right - and this season we've got straight into action in continuing to develop the club with the launch of this scheme, but we're not stopping here! We've got lots more initiatives going into the plan - this is all possible due to the fantastic set of coaches, volunteers and players that make up the Minis and Juniors at Hinckley RFC."

Richard Harris, Headmaster of Burbage Juniors wanted to be the first in the queue for the scheme, "This is a great example of local clubs and schools working together for the benefit of all. It's especially brilliant for the kids, who develop not only their sporting skills whilst having fun, but they are also developing those key teamwork and transferable life skills, through both the scheme and the sport of rugby itself -

The structured drills and programmes devised by Head Coach Mick Croasdale, will ensure this... It's excellent...!"

The Minis and Juniors Section, which consists of over 250 players, across 11 age groups, have been developing the scheme since the start of the new season, and welcome any potential sponsors or schools who have not yet registered their interest in the scheme to come forward quickly.

The club's volunteers continue to work closely with Leicestershire RFU through their local Rugby Development Officer, Jenna Studley and LRU Child Welfare Manager Pauline Harding. Jenna summed up in saying... "Hinckley RFC is a forward thinking rugby club with an excellent organisation of volunteers who work together to achieve outstanding results on and off the field. They have a significant positive impact on the local community and offer all young people a quality experience when they join the club... "

For further information on any aspect of Hinckley RFC Minis and Juniors please contact the Chairman, Stuart Elder on 07721 407008 or visit www.hinckleyrfc.net.