Future Blues and Black Horse have been recognised for at Business in the Communitys annual Awards for Excellence.
Announced in the Financial Times today, Black Horse is one of nine companies in Wales to receive the Big Tick accreditation for putting responsible business practice at the head of their operations, Black Horse succeeded in the Merrill Lynch Raising Achievement in Young People category with the Future Blues rugby programme.
A skills-based community rugby development programme, Future Blues launched in 2005 is a partnership between principal partner Black Horse, Cardiff Blues, the WRU and the unitary authorities within the region.
Operating in five unitary authorities, thirteen full time development officers deliver Future Blues coaching to 56 rugby clubs, 58 secondary schools and 321 primary schools through support and advice to teachers and club coaches, as well as hands on coaching to pupils.
To date, more than 36,000 children have been coached by the Future Blues team, with some succeeding at regional and international age grade level.
Richard Hodges, Community & Coach Development Manager, Future Blues said: The role of Black Horse is integral to supporting Future Blues.
Without its long standing and trusted support, it would not be possible to deliver the level of rugby development in the most densely populated region of Wales, as funding isnt available for the qualified staff that organise, teach and facilitate each day.
Employees in Wales have been involved in the programme through the divisional Time2Care scheme supporting childrens Tag Rugby festivals at Cardiff Arms Park and more recently a joint venture between Future Blues, Black Horse and Business in the Community called Fit4Fun which was aimed at tackling childhood obesity.
Now in their tenth year, the Awards for Excellence encourage companies to measure, continually improve and communicate the benefits they bring to society through community programmes and business practices.
Ian OHare, head of corporate communications comments, This is a prestigious award, independently judged and therefore a real pat on the back for our business. All Black Horse businesses will be able to use the Big Tick logo on their letters and marketing material, demonstrating that we are a business that makes a positive impact in the communities in which we are based.
Black Horse will be presented with its Big Tick at the Wales Awards for Excellence luncheon event on 15 June at the Hilton Cardiff.