The Diamonds Study Centre held its end of term Presentation Evening on Wednesday 6th December 2006, with two time slots being set aside to celebrate the end of the autumn term of "Playing for Success" sessions at the centre.
Sessions have been run on various evenings at the Study Centre as part of a national government initiative, which is mirrored at over 150 similar centres based at professional sports clubs across the country. The aims of the Playing for Success center is to improve the children's standards in Numeracy, Literacy and Information Technology as well as to boost their confidence and self-esteem through the use of sports related educational activities.
The scheme involves a partnership between the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), Northamptonshire County Council, the Football Foundation, and Rushden & Diamonds F.C. The scheme has become more successful each year, and with the work of Study Centres receiving glowing reports and recognition in both local and national media similar centres have been set up overseas at both FC Barcelona and the Catalan Dragons.
The Diamond Centre presentation evening, held in the Executive Suite at Nene Park, proved a great success. The room was full to the rafters at both time slots, as relatives, teachers, club and county council representatives witnessed the youngsters, aged between 9 and 14 years, being presented with certificates by a number of Rushden & Diamonds first team players including Marcus Kelly, Jon Ashton, Tyrone Berry and Glenn Wilson.
The schools involved in the scheme during the autumn term have all come from the Rushden area. Secondary schools from Rushden, Manor, Ferrers and Huxlow, were joined by their Junior counterparts from South End, Higham Ferrers, Great Addington, Finedon Mulso and Irthlingborough.
Study Centre Manager Rob Jones said, "The presentations were superb occasions for all concerned. The youngsters have been a credit to their families and their schools and the feedback regarding the course from the club, the teachers, parents and pupils themselves has been extremely positive. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the local head teachers and link teachers for their assistance this term and to commend Rushden & Diamonds Football Club for its involvement with the local community, and the support it has given to the Study Centre during this academic year."
Helen Thompson, Chief Executive, said "We are delighted to support the Study Centre initiative by housing the Centre in our state of the art Sports & Exhibition Centre.Rushden & Diamonds Football Club prides itself on being a community club and providing facilities for our local community to use. The initiative gives local youngsters the opportunity to improve their numeracy and literary skills in a practical setting as well as enjoying the activities here at Nene Park."
