Rugby club picks up award for commitment to youngsters on and off the pitch

St Neots Rugby Club has been recognised for its commitment to grassroots sport.

On January 20, former international players David Flatman and Danielle Waterman visited the club and presented the Quilter Kids First award.

The club has delivered a range of programmes and activities for youngsters over the first half of the season and “shown exceptionally high commitment to Quilter Kids First and their youth section. The initiative aimed at U13-U17 boys and girls focuses on creating a positive rugby atmosphere on and off the pitch to attract new players and retain current members.

Receiving the award, mini and junior chairman Jim Norton said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our club, we are honoured to be recognised in such a way by England RFU and Quilter Kids First Rugby.”

Paul Warrington, mini and junior vice-chairman added: “The Quilter Kids First pledge has enabled the club to enhance the rugby experience we provide our young players, centring them at the heart of everything we do and making every session fun. The pledge has fitted perfectly into our efforts to develop the club towards the future and also build a one club ethos.”

Tommy McCollin, director of rugby at St Neots Rugby Club added: “We are really proud to be awarded kids first champion status, the pledge has provided us with so many benefits across our membership. As a result we have been able to upskill our coaches to provide a high quality of rugby at St Neots, this is evident in so many ways such as increasing player numbers, our achievements and the great atmosphere on Sunday mornings.

“Additionally, well done to this month’s core values Green Laces award winners: Inigo Walker, Jensen Applegate, William Hassouneh, Matthew Zirngast, Lucas Oxborough, Jack Gurnell, Owen Spooner and Isaac Silverthorne.”

If you are interested in joining the club, visit: www.stneotsrugbyclub.com for more information.