Early this month (9 March 2019), East Grinstead Rugby Football Club (EGRFC) were again awarded RFU Accreditation Club status. An award that has been ongoing for the Club over the last 10 years.

Sussex RFU President, Gavin Ross, made the presentation to the EGRFC Chair, Bob Marsh, at a pre-match lunch held on 9 March 2019. An award that recognises the Club’s achievement in key areas: retaining and developing players; recruiting new players; recruiting and retaining high quality coaches, volunteers and referees; effective and efficient facilities, management and governance; and integration with the local community. With the RFU Core Values, this all leads to a strong and sustainable club.

EGRFC Chair, Bob Marsh, who stepped off the pitch to receive the award, said: “On behalf of EGRFC, we are delighted to be awarded the RFU Accredited Club status again. This award is the culmination of a lot of hard work by many unpaid individuals within the Club. Our thanks go to each and every one of those people who have contributed and demonstrated that we are going in the right direction in providing a safe and friendly environment for the development of rugby football.”

“Club rugby lies at the heart of rugby in England and we have a fantastic community spirit here at EGRFC. Our rugby is aimed at all age groups, abilities and experience, and we encourage more local people to become involved as players or spectators. We always open our doors and facilities to community groups, businesses and charity events throughout the year. This is your local Rugby Club. What a great way to mark our 90th anniversary this year!” Bob Marsh added.

Sussex RFU President, Gavin Ross said: “East Grinstead Rugby Football Club has over the last few years been through traumatic and difficult times, but they have overcome these difficulties and taken the club light years forward. This would not happen without the effort of many, so thank you all. One person in particular, the Club’s Chairman, Bob Marsh, took the lead and has been the driving force for change and success, our thanks to him for the huge personal effort he has made.”

“The RFU Accreditation Award is the gold standard given only to those clubs who meet the taxing standards of the RFU. It covers, at a minimum, how your club is run; its financial stability; a positive approach to equality for all; setting in place the safeguarding needed for your youngsters; positive action for coach training and management; standards of behaviour for players, coaches, managers and supporters and most importantly encompassing the RFU Core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.” Gavin Ross said.

EGRFC is a thriving community Club with three Senior and one Veteran side, Colts, Ladies, Intermediates (U12-U17), Juniors (U5-U11), EG Girls (U13/U15/U18) and Mixed Touch training. For more information on how to get involved with one of the finest Rugby Club’s in Sussex - please visit www.egrfc.com or telephone 01342 322338.

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Photo One: Sussex RFU President Gavin Ross (left) seen presenting the RFU Accreditation Award to Bob Marsh, Chair of EGRFC (right).

Photo Credit @ John Feakins

Media enquiries: Milly O’Ryan-Bristow, East Grinstead Rugby Football Club, 01342 322338, operations@egrfc.com www.egrfc.com