WRU players, coaches, match officials and volunteers were requested to participate in an online audit to achieve the Standard – which gives guidance to sports and community organisations in relation to achieving equality within participation and involvement in sport for under-represented groups such as women, girls, ethnic minority groups, disabled people and, in some cases, young people.
At the clubhouse in Swansea, Chairman Phillip Owen received the jersey from WRU district representative Geraint Edwards in appreciation of the club’s overwhelming response.
“I’m thrilled to accept the signed jersey on behalf of Swansea Uplands RFC,” said Mr Owen. “And I thank our members, as always, for their support.
“Our members are a credit to the club and to show our thanks my intention is to have the jersey displayed with our already extensive collection of memorabilia in the glass cabinets in the lounge.
“The significant response to the audit from members will help the WRU on its way to achieving the Equality Standard. This is an important initiative for people involved in all aspects of sport and I’m delighted we could do our bit to help.”
HR Officer Carly Matthews, charged with championing the standard across the organisation, arranged for the club to be recognised after receiving more responses to the online audit from Swansea Uplands than any other club in Wales.
“The Welsh Rugby Union courted the support of clubs around Wales in our commitment to achieving the Equality Standard and we are extremely grateful for all the support and understanding received so far,” said Ms Matthews.
“The rapid response from clubs across Wales such as Swansea Uplands is a huge leap in the right direction for us and I’m proud that our member clubs have got behind the project.
“The signed Rugby shirt presented to the Chairman is a token of our appreciation and I appeal to all our clubs to show the same support as the members of Swansea Uplands.
“There’s still some work to do and all further responses from clubs will help the WRU achieve the award.”
The Standard ensures sports organisations are able to plan, develop, and achieve equality in their sport and internally within their organisation, as well as evaluate their progress and ensure the process of improvement is a continuous one.
There are a number of benefits of achieving the ‘standard’, including the opportunity to access funding and sponsorship.
Players and clubs that have not registered their support are urged to click on the following link – www.sportstructures.com/wru_general
The company will not have access to individual forms only a composite of results, therefore your personal information will remain confidential and will only be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
