Tony Atherton is the Director of Rugby at Caldy RFC on the Wirral, Merseyside. His role involves overseeing anything and everything to do with rugby at the club, from the first team down to the under sevens.

He rejoined the club six years ago, after an earlier spell with Caldy in the 1980s.

When Caldy decided to go for Clubmark accreditation four years ago, Tony was on a core team - along with clubmates Roger Flashman and Colin Free - who drew up the necessary policies and procedures.

They were the second rugby union club in the country to achieve year one status, and the first to achieve year two and year three accreditation, a fantastic achievement.

Tony said: "Since getting Clubmark, our junior section has grown from having 80 players to 220, due to the development of rugby in the area but also due to having Clubmark status.

"Youngsters, parents and teachers know that we provide a safe and friendly environment to play and watch sport in, one where they will be nurtured and encouraged.

"Indeed we have had plenty of comments from them to that effect, which I always great for everyone at the club to hear.

"Having Clubmark is also great for us as a club, because we have found it really makes a positive difference with our sponsors and supporters too.

"Finally, as we are re-assessed every year it means we stay on our toes.

"We know the type of club we want to be and that focus means we can be sure we work hard to maintain our standards."