The Diamonds Study Centre opened  in April 2003 and is funded through an exciting and innovative partnership between the Rushden and Diamonds Football Club, Northamptonshire County Council Northampton Town Learning Partnership (NTLP), and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

 In April 2006 the Study Centre was relocated within the Sports and Exhibition Centre in the heart of the football club. The design of the new facility combined with the panoramic views of the Nene Park Stadium, the training complex, rolling countryside and waterways make it an extremely stimulating educational environment. 

The purpose of the Centre is to work in close partnership with local schools particularly those in East Northamptonshire ie. The Rushden, Kettering and Wellingborough areas in order to raise educational standards of pupils and to improve life chances for children in these parts of the county.

The education programme delivered at the Diamonds Centre is called “Playing for Success”.  This is a highly respected and successful national initiative that uses the medium and environment of sport to raise standards in literacy, numeracy and ICT as well as build students self- esteem, motivation and confidence by improving their personal and social skills and attitudes to learning.

The sessions run for a 10 week period after school, for pupils in Years 5 and 8, and are designed to provide study support in the year prior to the end of key stage tests.

Pupils get the chance to tour the stadium with the added bonus of an orienteering activity, they interview first team players, measure and work out the area and perimeter of the different parts of the training pitch, complete player profiles and work in groups to undertake an innovative club challenge activity.

The centre is also open during the day and the school holidays to provide a range of educational projects for different learners. 

 

In December 2007 following a grant of £20,000 from the DCSF ‘Quality, Development and Sustainability Fund’ the Diamonds Study Centre underwent a major refurbishment.  The funds were used to provide a new server and flip screen monitors which pop up from computer compatible desks. 

Study Centre Manager Rob Jones said, “The update has certainly increased the “wow” factor within the centre and will undoubtedly have a major impact on both the teaching and learning environment. An added bonus has been that the slim line desks afford far more available space within the centre. This has allowed us to introduce additional seating and laptop computers into the teaching area which means that a whole class of students can now make use of the centre.”

Helen Thompson: Rushden & Diamonds Chief Executive “With the ever increasing popularity and usage of the facility we are delighted that the Study Centre is now able to accommodate a whole class of students