This is a continuing trend, with eight of the Youth Team players this season starting at the Elite Centre and working their way up through the youth ranks.

Five of the seven boys who have gained contracts cemented their trial places following the Easter tour to Holland, where they impressed coaching staff both on and off the field. Some players also moved up from the Advance Centre to the Elite Centre following the tour.

The Centre of Excellence are currently finalising the details for this season's tour to Holland, and firmly believe this environment helps the boys to develop both on and off the field, and helps coaching staff learn about the players in both areas.

The Elite and Advanced Centres train once a week, which allows players to develop their skills in conjunction with their own club's coaching. There are ten sessions to a term and the centres arrange games against other clubs during the half term holidays. The youth department are keen to work alongside other clubs in the development of players and squads without taking them away from their club side. They are always happy to hear from managers of local sides that may be interested in squad coaching, or highlighting any of their players who they think could feel the benefits from extra coaching with Rushden & Diamonds.