Hello and thank you for taking the time to read the latest weekly update from the Board. On Friday, the club published our Risk Assessments for providing the safest environment we can for the return of football and spectators to Hayden Road. We do not yet have any indication from the authorities about when supporters will be permitted to attend matches but, nevertheless, I encourage you all to read the document as there will be some significant changes to the way in which we watch football in the post Covid-19 environment. You can find all the information here –https://afcdiamonds.com/covid19-match-day-documentation/
There are several individual Risk Assessments for our own facilities at Hayden Road, such as the Peter De Banke Terrace, Club shop and Dale’s Bar, and for all football activity such as training and matches. Also included within the document, are the risk assessments from Rushden & Higham Utd for the Clubhouse complex and Main Stand. All the measures to minimise the main risks of spreading the virus have been compiled into the Combined Action Plan. It’s important to remember, however, that these documents will be updated as new guidance is received from The FA and The Southern League. We will, of course, advise you all of any changes as, and when, we receive them.
I hope that by now, we are all beginning to understand the types of changes that we will see when we are permitted to return to Hayden Road, and to all other football grounds. On behalf of the Board, I want to reassure you that we will do everything we reasonably and practicably can to make your visit to the ground as safe as we can. The main measures can be summarised as follows:
- Increased focus on hygiene with hand sanitation points at all entrances and facilities.
- Social distancing will be in place in and around the stadium; so some areas in the ground will be restricted to walking routes only and no spectators will be permitted to stand there.
- Some seating will be out of use.
- Queuing and one-way routing will be in place where required.
- Track and trace measures will be introduced for everyone entering the ground.
- Some facilities will be provided in different locations; for example, we will be unable to serve food from The Burger Monster’s window as there isn’t enough space to ensure social distancing. So, we are looking at developing a solution which may involve The Burger Monster’s food being cooked in the usual place but then served at a different point in the ground.
- We feel it is highly likely there will be a restriction on the number of people we can safely admit into the ground.
- We will strongly encourage cashless transactions for all purchases.
- Protective screens have already been installed in the turnstiles, shop, Dale’s Bar and clubhouse to protect staff, volunteers and spectators and we strongly advise everyone to wear face coverings when inside any of the buildings.
- Signage and advice will be visible in and around the ground.
Our volunteers continue to work to ensure that everything is ready for the return of football. The pitch is looking immaculate considering the recent hot weather, all exterior areas have been cleaned and volunteers are getting Dales Bar, the shop, and the turnstiles ready for use. New advertising boards will start to be installed next week. As always, we send a huge thank you to all our volunteers and Mark Panter for all their hard work.
Our second pre-season friendly takes place this afternoon at Wellingborough Whitworths FC following last weekend’s successful start against Desborough Town FC. In accordance with the latest guidance from The FA, please remember that, all pre-season games must be played behind closed doors with no spectators being allowed to attend. I do appreciate that this is frustrating for everyone. The rules apply in equal measure to the Board with only a couple of us being permitted to attend each match to perform specific duties. There will be live coverage of the game this afternoon on Radio Diamonds or you can follow the match updates on Twitter and Facebook.
There is still time to join the Team Building Lottery in time for the August draw which will include a bumper Quarterly Prize of around £1,800 plus the monthly prize and Cineworld tickets. As I explained last week, this is a hugely important initiative to help Andy Peaks in being able to sign the best players he can while also giving each lottery ticket buyer the chance to win to excellent cash prizes…..but you have to be in it to win it. All the information you need to join the lottery is here – https://afcdiamonds.com/team-building-lottery/
I’m sure you are aware that Northampton, Wellingborough, Corby and Bedford are currently seen as areas of concern as the rates of infection there have recently increased so please make sure you keep up to date with all the latest advice either via local media or from the Government and Public Health England. Latest advice is here – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
