Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this latest update from the AFC R&D Board. During our meeting this week we have been putting the finishing touches to the budget for the new season. With all footballing activity currently suspended and no indication of when it may return, this is proving to be a challenging task. It is, however, important that we ensure everything is in place for when we are given the go ahead to start again. We will be looking to finalise the budget during our full Board meeting this coming week. We have already submitted entries for competitions such as The FA Cup and The FA Trophy as well as applications to the various leagues our teams play in.
Yesterday, we released details of the new Home and Away shirt vote to all our existing members. This year we have a fantastic opportunity to generate financial resources for our Club with a totally unique shirt design reflecting suggestions from our supporters. Members have until 5th June to vote for their preferred shirt designs. Full details are available here – https://www.afcdiamonds.com/home-and-away-kit-vote-2020-22
If you are not yet a member, and would like to join, you can find all the details you need here – http://www.afcdiamondsshop.com/membership.asp. Membership gives you a range of benefits, including allowing you to vote on important decisions that will affect AFC Rushden & Diamonds, have access to a private Members Area and enjoy 10% discount at the club shop.
On behalf of my colleagues on the Board, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported the Club during what has been and incredibly difficult and worrying time for everyone. I would also like to say an extra special thank you to all season ticket holders for putting your trust in the Club both in the past and during this period. For most of us, purchasing a season ticket is the biggest annual commitment which we make that directly affects the financial health of the Club. If you have already renewed or purchased your season ticket for the new season, we are extremely grateful. If you are thinking about it, please do so when you can; your purchase really will make a difference in the new season. A joint membership and season ticket package is available here – http://www.afcdiamondsshop.com/tickets.asp
On the Commercial front, John Gregory is working hard to generate much needed financial support for the Club. Thank you to those of you who have made contact enquiring about the new Club2020. This gives individuals and small groups of supporters a great opportunity to give an extra level of financial support at this crucial time, while also giving some unique benefits to those Club2020 members. This week will see our first communication to all 170 members of the Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce as we actively search for a new main Shirt Sponsor.
The Team Building Lottery is now approaching the May draw at the end of this month. You still have time to enter the draw but act now so you do not miss the opportunity of a chance to win over £500 in the Monthly Draw AND over £1,400 in the Quarterly Draw, plus 2 Cineworld Tickets. We would like to thank the Cineworld team at Rushden Lakes for their continued support. Hopefully, they, like us, will be able to get on with our activities soon, and you will be able to use your tickets soon in the comfort of the fabulous cinema. Remember, being a member of the Team Building Lottery makes a real difference to the playing budget for next season, as well as giving you a chance to win.
It would also, once again, like to extend our sincere thanks again to Mike Paul – a fan based in Valencia – and his continued fund raising on behalf of the club. Mike efforts has raised an incredible £2,770 of sponsorship for the Club so far.
Our Social media channels continue to be active. Tomorrow (Sunday), sees our popular ‘Ask the Player’ thread on Twitter from 2pm – this week Jack Ashton is in the hot seat. Simply post your question for him and he’ll be online to answer it. We have also have a Twitter vote on which Bundesliga team to support as football in German re-commences, albeit behind closed doors. At the time of writing, Hertha Berlin are in the lead. Here’s a list of all our social media channels should you wish to join in:
As the restrictions on our movements are eased a little and we are beginning to see the start of a new normal, please remember to stay safe. It is still really important to us that, when the time comes for us to meet again at Hayden Road, that everyone is there safe and well. Please also remember that our Chaplaincy team is available if you would like to talk to someone; the service is confidential. Contact details are here – https://www.afcdiamonds.com/message-from-the-club-chaplaincy-team
The latest guidelines issued by the Government and Public Health England are updated daily and can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
