Francis Barron the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football Union, his Deputy Martyn Thomas and Secretary Andrew Scoular declared themselves well satisfied with what they saw on their visit to Ilkley RFC on Sunday.

They were able to see at first hand the new car park for which the RFU Foundation soft-loaned £20,000 and the new tractor for which a £5,000 RFU grant was received. They were delighted to see the pay back already coming through.

The usual turnout of multitudes of children from age six to 17 were either playing or training. Their numbers have been substantially boosted by Community Sports Coach Dave Duxbury's work in the Ilkley school community.

The RFU were pleasantly surprised to find this part of the club's activity independently funded by sponsors Skipton Financial Services, Magellan Residential and Myddelton Construction and Sportsmatch. Ilkley are leading the way with this hugely successful initiative. Mr Barron expressed his delight at the energy and vibrancy he witnessed at grassroots level.

The Seal of Approval Year Two award was presented to Chairman Richard Scargill and Junior Chairman Tom Gillon. Again the RFU party were impressed at the way in which the junior section of the club is organised and coached.

A number of visitors from other clubs in the area attended an informal questions and answers session and then the Fleece at Addingham laid on a wholesome roast beef lunch before the visitors were whisked away to return to Twickenham.

Chairman Scargill commented: "At least the RFU can see what huge strides we are making. We have been able to point out that there is a substantial cost to all that goes on. Our pitches badly need tender, loving and expensive care. Our Community Sports Coach needs to be funded to ensure his work is not a seven day wonder. Our everyday, inescapable costs are escalating, insurance being a huge element. Hot water and general maintenence soak up a lot of our revenue. We are only too relieved that our players at all levels are still strictly amateur."

He added: "We are an amateur club being run professionally. Everyone here does what they do for the the love of it. We are really grateful that the hierarchy should take time to appreciate all this."