Diamonds boosted by DCMS grant

AFC Rushden & Diamonds have received a financial boost from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Winter Support Package.

In his latest update to the club’s fans, Diamonds chairman Ralph Burditt confirmed the club have received a grant of £15,000.

And, in further good news, Diamonds have also received a further discretionary grant from East Northamptonshire Council towards their ongoing fixed costs.

Diamonds’ first-team haven’t played a competitive match since the end of October last year and the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central campaign for 2020/21 has now been curtailed with the next season due to start on August 14.

However, with the lockdown measures being eased this week, football is back in other parts of the club including the development activities of the under-21, academy and scholarship teams.

In his latest update, Burditt said: “As I have mentioned previously, AFC Rushden & Diamonds would not have been able to survive over this last year without the significant grants we have received from East Northamptonshire Council, DCMS, Football Foundation, and Sport England.

“These grants have been used to cover specific ongoing fixed costs and we are very grateful for all this support and will continue to work with all our stakeholders to build on these positive relationships.

“Last month I told you that we had applied for a grant from the DCMS’s Winter Support Package and I am pleased to say we have received a grant of £15,000.

“This has allowed some essential maintenance work to be carried out at Hayden Road to ensure it is ready for the return of football – benefiting both us and Rushden & Higham United.

As you read this, update work is currently underway on the following projects: conifer works, pitch boundary maintenance, pitch maintenance, spectator lighting, mower gate repairs and Covid-19 preparation.”