The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

I don`t think this awful wet weather is going to be uncommon in this country from now on.
The debate over 3/4G pitches rages on, but my feelings are that they will become a regular feature on many grounds before too long (for those with the money to be able to afford one).
I also know that, although the vote to accept artificial surfaces in the Football Conference was rejected by the clubs recently, the Conference and Football League are discussing the matter, and Maidstone United`s appeal, which they will mount should they be in a position to go up at the end of this season, will probably come too soon for victory, but it won`t be long before 3/4G pitches will be accepted.
We have heard on numerous occasions that we do not produce enough quality youngsters in this country, yet, when they ARE actually allowed to get on a pitch, they are usually asked to perform on mud heaps.
Locally, only three matches have taken place in the Northants Senior Youth League since Christmas - and two of those were at the Dog & Duck!
We tend to forget that, when senior teams can`t play due to waterlogged pitches, their respective youth sides fall even further behind and further down the pecking order for use of the pitch.
Thought for discussion....?
AFC are, quite rightly, searching for a home to call their own and have been since day one.
However, why not use the expertise you possess, along with grants available from various FA sources, to further develop the Dog & Duck instead of spending hundreds of thousands on a new ground and put down a full-sized 3/4G pitch (costing around £5/600,000 or thereabouts.
All AFC and Doughboys teams would be able to play/train on it, instantly saving money on renting training facilities, and, of course, regular revenue would be forthcoming from renting out the pitch to other clubs, organisations.
By the time AFC (or Wellingborough!!) are ready for Conference level football again, the debate on 3/4G pitches will be long over and in favour.
Just a thought!!!

Nice idea but if that's the way forward then maybe better to get into bed with R&H as although our own ground is a major priority getting back into the Borough of Rushden is IMO an equally big one. Owned facilities however long it takes has to be the future and that's not going to happen at the Woof & Quack, take our time & get it right, it'll all be worth it in The long run.

I agree, we must have our own ground in the future and that must be in the Rushden area. I think it's great that Wellingborough Town are allowing us to share their facilities, and I thank them immensely, but any grants that we can access should go towards our own home and providing facilities not just for the first team and the u18s, but for the number of community sides we have as well.