THE RFL has awarded the Widnes Vikings Academy ‘Outstanding’ status, following an independent Academy Audit.

In just the fourth season back in Super League the Widnes Vikings Academy has secured the highest possible grade.

This is an amazing achievement for the Club, which has shown year on year improvement through the audit process to achieve this level of accreditation.

Phil Finney, Head of Youth at the Club, manages the Academy set-up: “We are pleased and very proud that we have been independently adjudged to be an outstanding Academy.

"A grading of outstanding illustrates the hard work and dedication of all of the staff involved with the youth programme dating back to 2009. All of the staff and players alike that have been involved during the period should feel proud of their contribution.

"Achieving an outstanding grade after only three years back in Super League with only three years central funding clearly demonstrates not only our hard work and dedication but also the ingenuity and creativity we have used to compete with more established clubs.

"We are the first club to have introduced new concepts including full time academy programmes, inclusive of in house education courses, which we believe has significantly raised the performance standards of our academy players making their way into the Super League squad.

Such innovation in Rugby League has required significant staff resilience and persistence to make ideas a reality. I am particularly proud of the fact that we have stayed true to the philosophy of the youth setup in times of adversity.

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 It is satisfying to see players like Matt Whitley transition into the senior squad with great effect. This would not be possible without the selfless efforts of the staff such as Kurtis Marsh, Liam Clark, Ryan O'Brien and Neil Belshaw on the coaching front and Julian Haigh and Karl Page from a conditioning perspective.

"The staff who are often volunteers work tirelessly seven days a week to ensure that the players are given the best possible opportunities to fulfill their potential at the Club.

"Without staff as dedicated and as driven as they are it would be impossible to achieve an outstanding grading and credit must go these staff who continually sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the players and the Club.”