Since the last report all age groups have made considerable progress. We are now in the second half of the games programme and still performing well, proving we are very competitive through the age groups. Following a very successful visit from the Football League we are optimistic about running the centre next year.

I would like to thank the parents of all the squads for their support and the manner in which they conduct themselves on the touchline, you are a credit to Rushden & Diamonds and the teams. While other clubs have issues it is very comforting to hear the reports back from the Centre Managers regarding our parents.

It is at this time of the season that the under 16 squad are hoping to be given a scholarship for the next two seasons. I am please to announce that the following under 16 players have been offered scholarships, Aynsley Mcdonald, Lewis Halford, George Cox , Nabil Sharif and Connor Hayes.

While it is a great achievement there is also sadness for those boys that do not get offered. We have until 1st March to decide on the remainder of the squad. I would like to thank every player for the commitment they have shown towards Rushden & Diamonds FC and wish them every success with their careers.

The five players mentioned have made excellent progress this season and are regularly selected for the youth team squad. In the last two games Aynsley, George and Connor have been three of the back four. I would just like to congratulate Lewis Halford on being called into the Scottish squad again to play Germany soon.

A special mention must go to Matthew Stout who play's for the Under 11 squad, as Captain of his school team, Sandon, he will lead them out at Wembley on Saturday 26th April in the National Small Schools final. His school team were crowned South East champions. The game precedes England Under-18's clash with Scotland. We all wish Matthew well.

All the ages in both the Elite and Advanced centre are full and progressing in the right way. Due to different half terms it has been difficult to arrange games but these will be played later in the season. In March various Elite/Advance squads will be going to Holland for the Easter Open. This is another way that we try to develop the boys on and off the field. I am sure we will have a successful tour.

I would like to mention our coaching staff and thank them for the effort they put in to ensure a successful centre. While they all have full time jobs elsewhere they give a lot of commitment to the centre and the boys they coach each week.

I would like to finish by thanking everyone connected to the centre for their support so far this season.

Mark Starmer
Centre of Excellence Manager