AFC Rushden & Diamonds was formed in 2011 following the demise of Rushden & Diamonds FC as a supporter-owned, supporter-run football club. After a season in youth football in 2011/12 they were allocated a place in the United Counties League Division One for 2012/13 (Step 6 of Non-League Football). They gained promotion in second spot in that league at the end of their first season, and followed that with third place in the UCL Premier Division before winning the title in the 2014/15 season, backed up with the League Cup. This meant they won promotion to the Southern Football League Division One Central. In 2015/16 they finished fifth in the SL1C, reaching the play-off final and winning their County Cup. They were transferred to the Northern Premier League First Division South for the 2016/17 season where they again reached the end of season play-offs. For 2017/18 they returned to the Southern League to play in Division One East, known as EVO-Stik League South, East, winning promotion at the end of that season to Step 3 of Non-League Football. For 2022/23 they played their fifth season in the Southern League Premier Division Central, suffering relegation for the first time as a phoenix club.

For the 2023/24 season AFC Rushden & Diamonds competed in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division (Step 4 of Non-League Football).

Following a reprieve, Diamonds will again compete in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division for the 2024/25 season.

After five seasons playing at the Dog & Duck in Wellingborough, the Club moved to Hayden Road, Rushden, where they share facilities with Rushden & Higham United FC. The ground is the former home of Rushden Town FC. They have adopted a “Community Benefit Society” constitution accredited by the Football Supporters’ Association. This reinforces the principles of ‘One Fan, One Vote’ and ensures that the Club and its assets are protected on behalf of the community in the long term. With 750 club members, today the Club has 30 teams of all ages including Academy, Development, Women’s / Girls’ and Community teams not forgetting the much respected multi-disability team; all wearing the traditional Diamonds white shirt.

Being a community members club means that to succeed and achieve long term plans, the Club aims to sustain a strong youth and community football base, whilst engaging and gaining the support from the local community.