In order to comply with the FA Ground Grading regulations Category C, the following items need to be in place at Hayden Road by 31st March 2019.
- – An additional turnstile
- – 250 seats in no more than two stands
- – The Players’ changing rooms to be increased to 18 square metres (currently 17 square metres)
- – Due to the modification of existing changing rooms, the provision of separate changing rooms for male and female officials.
- – An Additional press seat
- – A Sink in the medical room.
An additional turnstile block, similar to the Club’s existing turnstiles, has been ordered from local engineering firm, Datona. The changing room alterations are proceeding with help of the recent funding award from Mick George and will require additional cabins to be situated to the rear of the main stand in order to house the officials’ changing facilities. The press seat and physio room sink are being handled by volunteers.
The Club had expected to receive FSIF funding to redevelop the main stand with additional seating. However, despite being originally assured that this would be possible, AFC R&D were recently advised that the FSIF would not be able to provide any financial help with the necessary upgrades to Hayden Road to achieve ground grading. Therefore, the ongoing stand project will be placed temporarily on-hold whilst the work required to achieve ground grading takes priority. After ground grading has been achieved, the project will then be resumed.
The back-up plan to ensure that Hayden Road can meet the criteria for Ground Grading is to purchase a new 150 seat stand, to be positioned next to the Peter De Banke Terrace at a cost of around £30,000. This stand will be of the modular variety in order that it can be moved in the future as and when this is necessary. It will be to the right of the terrace, with the club shop relocated as a result.
Funding & Fund Raising
AFC R&D are looking to fund raise the cost of the new stand in order to ensure that the Club’s financial reserves remain at a healthy level. There are a number of ways in which supporters can assist, as detailed below:-
Name Your Seat in the New Stand
Naming a seat couldn’t be easier so why not join us in ensuring we meet the FA Ground Grading regulations.
For a £60 donation, you can put your name on a seat in the new stand. Naming a seat in the new stand, is a wonderful way to show your backing for the club and help fund the ongoing ground improvement work. You can celebrate your or a loved one’s fond memories of the pleasure of supporting the club in the past or in the present.
Each seat named will be acknowledged through a smart plaque bearing the name of your choice. The plaque will be fixed to your chosen seat for as long as the club remains at Hayden Road.
Of course from next season you can choose to purchase a season ticket so you can actually sit in your chosen seat! Or you can simply know that those using your named seat are enjoying watching your beloved Diamonds. Diamonds fans are also encouraged to “spread the word” about this initiative, especially to those who have followed the Diamonds in the past but who are perhaps unable to get to games due to relocation or other issues – an ideal way to get involved with this initiative.
Credit Card/Debit Card Paypal – You can purchase your named seat at the online club shop by clicking here.
Direct Transfer – Or by direct bank transfer with these account details (please use ref SEAT) – AFC Rushden & Diamonds CBS Ltd, Sort code is 403915, account number 91508903
Cheque – You can make a cheque payable to AFC Rushden & Diamonds CBS Ltd then hand it in at the club shop, or post it to Club Shop, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Hayden Road Sports Ground, Hayden Road, Rushden Northamptonshire NN10 0HX.
Cash – You can pay in cash at the club shop
For those contributions using Bank Transfer, Cheque or cash it would help us if you could provide a note with your details and what you would like on the seat plaque, but we can take down these details when you make a donation via the club shop at Hayden Road if you prefer.
Donations
You can also donate any amount to the project via the following methods:
Credit Card/Debit Card Paypal – You can purchase your named seat at the online club shop by clicking here.
Direct Transfer – Or by direct bank transfer with these account details (please use ref DONATION) – AFC Rushden & Diamonds CBS Ltd, Sort code is 403915, account number 91508903
Cheque – You can make a cheque payable to AFC Rushden & Diamonds CBS Ltd then hand it in at the club shop, or post it to Club Shop, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Hayden Road Sports Ground, Hayden Road, Rushden Northamptonshire NN10 0HX.
Cash – You can pay in cash at the club shop – it would help us if you could include a note with your details so we can record who has made the donation, but we can take down these details when you make the donation if you prefer – or you may prefer to remain anonymous.
In addition there will be bucket collections at every home game, along with a donation jar at the bar.
Existing 50 Seat Stand
In order to help fund the ground works the existing 50-seat stand, which will be surplus to requirements, will be sold. Season ticket holders in this stand will have already received a communication from the Club apologising for the disruption and offering alternative accommodation in the Chris Ruff stand.
