The Diamonds Study Centre held its presentation evening to celebrate the end of the autumn term of "Playing for Success" sessions on Tuesday December 4^th as part of the National 'Playing for Success' open week for the 153 study centres, based at professional sports clubs across the country. It coincided with both the tenth anniversary of the scheme and the official opening of the latest centre within the new Wembley Stadium.

The sessions have been run in the evenings at the Study Centre as part of a national government initiative with the aims being to improve the childrens standards in Numeracy, Literacy and Information Technology as well as to boost their confidence and self-esteem through the use of football related activities. The scheme involves a partnership between the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Northamptonshire County Council, the Football Foundation and Rushden & Diamonds F.C.

The Presentation Evening for the Diamonds Study Centre was held in the VP Lounge at Rushden & Diamonds Football Club. The room was full as relatives and teachers witnessed 86 youngsters, aged between 9 and 14 years, being presented with their certificates by Rushden & Diamonds players Anthony Weston and Andrew Tidswell.

The schools involved in the scheme this term have all come from the local area, namely Ferrers, Manor and Huxlow Secondary Schools plus Higham Ferrers, Great Addington and Irthlingborough Junior Schools.

Ferrers Arts College collect their certificates

Great Addington Primary School collect their certificates

Higham Ferrers Junior School collect their certificates

Huxlow Science College collect their certificates

Irthlingborough Junior School collect their certificates

Manor Sports College collect their certificates

Study Centre Manager Rob Jones said, "the Presentation Evening was a superb occasion for all concerned. The youngsters have been a credit to their families and their schools and the tremendous turnout reflected the high regard that has been shown for the Playing for Success initiative. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the head teachers for their assistance 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 term."

Rushden & Diamonds Chief Executive Helen Thompson said. "We are delighted to continue to sponsor the use of the Study Centre premises for the benefit of our younger generation. We would also like to extend our thanks to all those volunteers attached to the Football Club, as without their patronage and help, we would not be able to run this scheme".

An example of Huxlow Science College's Work

An Example of Higham Junior School's Work