"YOUNGSTERS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS"

The Diamonds Study Centre held its Presentation Evenings on Monday December 5th, with two time slots being set aside, to celebrate the end of the autumn term of "Playing for Success" sessions at the centre.

The sessions have been run in the evenings at the Study Centre as part of a national government initiative, based at over 100 similar centres at professional sports clubs across the country, with the aims being 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 football related activities.

The scheme involves a partnership between the Department for Education and Skills,Northamptonshire County Council, the Football Foundation and Rushden and Diamonds F.C and the work within the Study Centres has received both local and national acclaim!

The Presentation Evenings for the Diamonds Study Centre were held in the Kimberley Suite at Rushden and Diamonds Football Club and the room was full on both occasions as relatives and teachers witnessed 116 youngsters, aged between 9 and 14 years, being presented with certificates and match vouchers by Rushden& Diamonds players Jason Taylor, Luke Kennedy, Scott Wark and Tom Shaw.

 The youngsters and their parents were also given the opportunity to purchase Diamonds Christmas memorabilia, in recognition of the clubs support for the Study Centre, and the chance to become adult and/or junior members of the new Supporters Trust.

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

Study Centre Manager Rob Jones said, "both of 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 head teachers for their assistance this term and to commend Rushden and Diamonds Football Club for its involvement with the local community and the support it has given to the Study Centre during this academic year."