Annette Edris being presented with WCSOA plaque by Bob Cranna

Bob Cranna, Eastern Counties Chairman, presented West Norfolk RFC with their Whole Club Seal of approval Plaque at a pre-match lunch last Satyurday (1st Oct) "Obviously this award is a giant step forward and an indication of how ambitious the club is. They recognise that their Coaching, Playing and volunteer structures are the foundation of the club and to be sustainable they must encourage and attract more members. This award is evidence that we have developed a whole club development plan which will ensure future growth and prosperity for this club and will provide an improved rugby experience for current and future members.”, said the ECRU Chairman.

The Rugby Football Union’s Whole Club Seal of Approval accreditation is a major landmark in the development of every club, West Norfolk RFC have now achieved that landmark and can join clubs like Ipswich YM, Colchester and Wymondham as one of four clubs in Eastern Counties to have achieved that status.  This accreditation confirms their elevated status as being one of the best run organisations in the country.

The Whole Club Seal of Approval assesses every aspect of a club’s infrastructure and was introduced to take the Mini & Youth accreditation to a more advanced level. It is an even more challenging benchmark, but across the game clubs are signing up to both disciplines and putting in place procedures and programmes that deliver the highest levels of safety and support to anyone joining a rugby union club.

RFU RU Development Officer, Lee Adamson said, "The Seal of Approval process challenges clubs on a range of fronts and Annette Edris has been the driving force behind this accreditation for West Norfolk RFC. She has found that even in the best-run organisations this achievement demands a good deal of hard work and re-organisation”.

West Norfolk RFC club President Mark Ballman said, “We are delighted to have earned the RFU’s Whole Club Seal of Approval. It shows we are a well-run rugby club and puts down a marker that this is a good place to bring your youngsters and play in a safe environment”.

Ballman admitted there were also positive financial reasons for having the full approval adding: “It sets a marker down to the donor community that says we are a good place. Without it, I think it will become very difficult to get funding from any public organisation.”

He also praised the work of everyone at the club including the scores of volunteers who help run the different sections and he gave a special vote of thanks to Annette Edris who worked hard to coordinate the accreditation process.