Proud day for Higgy

MARK OF ESTEEM: Higginshaw officials John Mellor and Jimmy Marshall, plus a selection of the club’s junior players, receive the Clubmark accreditation from Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton.

RUGBY: IT was a big day for amateur rugby league club Higginshaw at the Whitebank Stadium when they were presented with the prestigious Clubmark accreditation by Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton at half-time in the Roughyeds versus Doncaster clash.

Clubmark, a cross-sport quality accreditation for clubs with junior sections, was introduced in 2002 by Sport England.

Higgy official Jimmy Marshall received a regional volunteer of the year award for his sterling work behind the scenes and, in particular, for helping to bring the club up to Clubmark standard.

Marshall said: “Clubmark awards go to clubs which reach specific standards in such areas as child protection, facilities, qualifications of coaches and other aspects of club life.

“Basically, they offer accreditation to clubs which come up to Sport England and, in our case, Rugby Football League requirements.

“We have 15 coaches who are qualified to level one and around 26 volunteers who have all the necessary qualifications and child-protection cover.”

Players from the club’s junior section did a lap of honour after the presentations had taken place.