THE impact of Oakmeadians' touch centre has been recognised after the club received a Legacy Gold Standard award from the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The award celebrates the club's achievements in increasing the number of players taking part and delivering a high standard of touch.

Matt McKean, head of Oakmeadians' touch section, said: “We are very honoured to receive this award in recognition of all the hard work that the players, volunteers, touch committee and O2 ambassadors have put in.

“Since we established touch at Oaks we have gone from strength to strength, expanding the member base and improving skills and knowledge.

"Participating numbers have grown to more than 80 players and we are proud to boast that we have many regional and national players, including 13 regional and eight who have been selected for England squads.

“Touch is a game for everyone, whether you are a novice or a returning touch player, male or female and no matter what your age."

Oakmeadians is one of 15 centres to have received the award, with 275 centres operating nationally.

The club was the first in the area to embrace touch three years ago and went on to host the first Development Touch Series event in the UK.