The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

As per the below document, the updated North Northants Playing Pitch Strategy is close to completion:

https://northnorthants.moderngov.co.uk/ ... roject.pdf

The new Playing Pitch Strategy for North Northamptonshire is being developed and close to conclusion. The early draft shows a shortfall of 8 x 3G Pitches across the analysis area. Refurbishment of this Pitch along with two other sites across North Northants currently in progress will make a significant improvement to the existing provision.

If I remember correctly, it was seen as crucial for our new home project to remain as the priority project on the NN PPS. It will be interesting to see if we have indeed remained as the number 1 project on the strategy.

I’m not sure if the confirmed investment into the K*ttering Harriers artificial pitch suggests that we are in fact no longer the top priority? Having used the K*ttering Harriers pitch around 5 years ago just before it was closed down, it was absolutely dire and definitely needs the investment (hence why it was closed). However, selfishly I would have preferred to see that £1m of funding given to us !

Interesting, thanks for sharing. I wonder where the other 2 sites are? Interesting to see they were successful because the site will offer best in class provision for women and girls teams. This seems to be an important part of securing funding.

mattparker wrote: Sat Dec 21, 2024 9:36 pm Interesting to see they were successful because the site will offer best in class provision for women and girls teams. This seems to be an important part of securing funding.

Agreed. I know AFCRD has had its troubles for a number of years now in bringing the women’s & girls teams back under the club umbrella…

I don’t know the background on this but seems like a no brainier to get teams playing under our badge affiliated to the club and so unlocking funding

mattparker wrote: Sat Dec 21, 2024 9:57 pm I don’t know the background on this but seems like a no brainier to get teams playing under our badge affiliated to the club and so unlocking funding

As far as I’m aware, it’s something the club have at least tried to do in the past.

Don’t we have a board member now that is part of the community set up? Hopefully this is on the agenda

The playing pitch strategy has now been published:
https://northnorthants.moderngov.co.uk/ ... ix%20D.pdf

I’ve not had the chance to properly read through yet, but the sections that immediately jump out in relation to us are as follows:

Rushden East:

Based on the potential demand generated from this development, and shortfalls identified within the assessment report, the following onsite provision has been identified as a priority:

- 1 x Youth 11v11 pitch and 2 x mini soccer pitches;
- 1 x cricket pitch (minimum of 8 wickets); and
- Changing pavilion that meets NGB and Sport England guidelines

Offsite contributions have been identified as follows:
- 1 x 3G AGP as identified in the PPS Action Plan in consultation with Northamptonshire FA and the Football Foundation; and
- Rugby union pitch improvements as identified in the PPS Action Plan.


Hayden Road:
Current Status:
One standard quality stadia adult football pitch with sports lights with spare capacity of 0.5 MES discounted due to level the first team play at. Standard ancillary provision provided on site.
Recommendations:
Maintain pitch quality to meet demand. Ensure that the first team can progress through the National League System if required. Explore opportunities to provide a full size stadia 3G AGP to meet the shortfalls identified. Ensure that if a pitch is provided, it is tested for inclusion on the FA 3G Pitch Register and that there is a pitch replacement fund place to resurface the pitch when required.
Priority:
Medium
Timescale:
Medium
Cost:
High

rickthediamond wrote: Mon Jan 13, 2025 5:30 pm Hayden Road:
Current Status:
One standard quality stadia adult football pitch with sports lights with spare capacity of 0.5 MES discounted due to level the first team play at. Standard ancillary provision provided on site.
Recommendations:
Maintain pitch quality to meet demand. Ensure that the first team can progress through the National League System if required. Explore opportunities to provide a full size stadia 3G AGP to meet the shortfalls identified. Ensure that if a pitch is provided, it is tested for inclusion on the FA 3G Pitch Register and that there is a pitch replacement fund place to resurface the pitch when required.
Priority:
Medium
Timescale:
Medium
Cost:
High

The responsibility for the above has been outlined in the Strategy as that of the ‘Club’. I guess that could be in relation to either R&HUFC or us (or both), hard to say for certain.

This is interesting though as the responsibility for the future enhancement of Latimer Park for example, has been outlined as that of the Club, NFA, and the Football foundation.

mattparker wrote: Sat Dec 21, 2024 9:36 pm I wonder where the other 2 sites are?

The Grange Sports Field & Wollaston School.

rickthediamond wrote: Mon Jan 13, 2025 5:45 pm

rickthediamond wrote: Mon Jan 13, 2025 5:30 pm Hayden Road:
Current Status:
One standard quality stadia adult football pitch with sports lights with spare capacity of 0.5 MES discounted due to level the first team play at. Standard ancillary provision provided on site.
Recommendations:
Maintain pitch quality to meet demand. Ensure that the first team can progress through the National League System if required. Explore opportunities to provide a full size stadia 3G AGP to meet the shortfalls identified. Ensure that if a pitch is provided, it is tested for inclusion on the FA 3G Pitch Register and that there is a pitch replacement fund place to resurface the pitch when required.
Priority:
Medium
Timescale:
Medium
Cost:
High

The responsibility for the above has been outlined in the Strategy as that of the ‘Club’. I guess that could be in relation to either R&HUFC or us (or both), hard to say for certain.

This is interesting though as the responsibility for the future enhancement of Latimer Park for example, has been outlined as that of the Club, NFA, and the Football foundation.

Any idea why would that be the case? Because of the level of football played at HR compared to Latimer park?
Slightly of topic but I heard today about the Football Foundations plans for new regional funding for equipment hubs providing equipment such as mowers, tractors etc for clubs.