Rugby Club Strikes Gold
A CHORLEY rugby club is celebrating after becoming one of the first in the country to gain gold Clubmark status.
Rugby league club Chorley Panthers is leading the way in providing a sporting environment for youngsters and is an example for others to follow.
The accreditation, which shows the club is one of the best in England for creating safe, effective and child friendly environments, has gained the award with help from Chorley Council.
Councillor John Walker, Chorley Council's Executive Member (People), said: "Clubs like Chorley Panthers are doing a fantastic job at getting young people active and interested in sport.
"To have one of our local clubs held up as an example to the rest of the country is a great achievement.
"If there are any other clubs in Chorley, whatever the sport, who want help in gaining accreditations such as Clubmark then contact us on 01257 515151."
Formed in 1989 under the name Chorley Borough Juniors the club attracted many people who are now playing professional rugby today.
In 1998 the team became known as Chorley Panthers and they now have teams from under sevens right through to adult open age groups for both men and women.
Club Secretary at Chorley Panthers Jackie Dempsey said gaining the gold status was down to the hard work and dedication of the club's volunteers.
"This revalidation has asked a lot from everybody involved and now, thanks to everyone at Panther Park we have achieved our goal!
"As well as highlighting our good practice ethos, Clubmark Gold opens doors with funding applications, where we are concentrating a lot of our efforts at the moment.
"We are hoping to gain funding to allow Chorley Panthers to improve facilities for all members of the club. Its exciting times, we are getting a lot of success on the pitch and player pathways are opening up for many of our current players."
In another first, Chorley the Panthers have just signed up with the Council's Clayton Green Sports Centre to use as a training base throughout the winter.
The players and coaches make use of the excellent gym facilities and it will help them prepare for another successful season.
Christian Duff, of Active Nation who manage the council's leisure centres, said: "It's great to have a local club such as Chorley Panthers using our sports facilities and we've already been able to do some fantastic work.
"It's the first time we've been able to team up with a local sporting club and if there is anyone else looking for somewhere to train then we'd be delighted to hear from them."
For more information on rugby league in Chorley visit www.chorley.gov.uk/rugbyleague.
