SHEPPEY Rugby Club have become the first club in Kent to be awarded the Rugby Football Union’s Community Rugby Active Sports Seal of Approval.

The award is only given to clubs who meet the highest standards set by the RFU and Sport England in providing a safe, effective and child-friendly environment.

The quality of coaching, the club’s playing programme and the facilities available for aspiring players are also taken into consideration in the seven stages of the seal.

Sheppey are one of just 20 clubs around the country to be honoured with the quality mark. The club's director of rugby, Neil Golding, said: “This crowns a marvellous season. First we were awarded a grant by Sport England, then the fair play trophy at the Kent Festival and now this.

“This seal singles us out as a safe, effective and well-organised club. Any child coming here knows that they will be well cared for and treated properly."

The club had to satisfy extensive criteria and had their portfolio of evidence accepted by the moderating group at Twickenham after 10-months of intensive work.

To achieve the seal, all the coaching team had to attend courses in child protection, first aid, disability and equality.

They also had to gain coaching qualifications and produce policies and codes of conducts for players, coaches and spectators.