About AFC Rushden and Diamonds

A.F.C. Rushden & Diamonds are a supporter-owned phoenix club based in Rushden, Northamptonshire. Formed in July 2011 after the original Rushden & Diamonds were expelled from the Conference and liquidated, they are nicknamed the Diamonds and compete in the Northern Premier League Midlands for 2026/27.

After early groundshares at Kiln Park and the Dog & Duck in Wellingborough, the club groundshare with Rushden & Higham United at Hayden Road from 2017–18. In 2025–26 they finished 12th of 22 in the division.

The club is structured as a Community Benefit Society with a one-member-one-vote model, continuing the Rushden & Diamonds name and traditions after the former Football League club's demise.

Quick Facts

Full Name: A.F.C. Rushden & Diamonds

Nickname: The Diamonds

Founded: 2011

Stadium: Hayden Road Sports Ground

Capacity: 2,955 (257 seated)

Location: Rushden

League: Northern Premier League Midlands

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Stadium Information

Stadium Name

Hayden Road Sports Ground

Address

Hayden Road Sports Ground

Hayden Road

Rushden

Northamptonshire

NN10 0HX

Capacity

2,955 (257 seated)

Opened

2017

Surface

Grass

Stadium History & Features

Hayden Road is the former home of Rushden Town and has been shared with Rushden & Higham United since 2017–18 after the end of the Wellingborough groundshare. AFC Rushden & Diamonds moved in once necessary works were completed ahead of the 2017–18 season.

The phoenix club rose from the United Counties League to Step 3 by 2018, were relegated from the Southern League Premier Central in 2022–23, and returned to the Northern Premier League Midlands. As of 2026–27 they remain at Hayden Road while longer-term home plans are pursued.

Away Fan Seating

No fixed away allocation is published on Wikipedia or afcdiamonds.com. Follow stewards and any fixture notices on the day.

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Getting to Hayden Road Sports Ground

By Car

AFC Rushden & Diamonds advise accessing Hayden Road from the west via the A6 Rushden and Higham bypass, exiting at Newton Road, passing Risdene Academy and turning right onto Hayden Road. The ground is about a quarter of a mile on the left.

The club recommend free town-centre car parks (Duck Street, John Street, Rectory Road and others) and a 10–15 minute walk to the ground rather than parking on residential streets near Hayden Road.

By Bus

Rushden town-centre bus stops on Skinners Hill/High Street are around a 10-minute walk from the ground. Stagecoach services include X46/X47 (Northampton–Wellingborough–Rushden–Higham Ferrers–Raunds), 49, 50 and 26.

By Train

Wellingborough is the nearest main-line station, with half-hourly East Midlands Trains services and bus connections via X46/X47 from Wellingborough town centre. Bedford also has frequent services; the club note it is difficult to reach Hayden Road by public transport directly from Bedford station without a taxi.

Travel Tip

Use Rushden town-centre car parks and walk to Hayden Road — on-street parking near the ground is limited and residential.

Real-Time Travel Updates

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Parking Information

There are no public parking spaces at the ground other than two disabled bays. AFC Rushden & Diamonds recommend free East Northamptonshire Council car parks in Rushden town centre, all within walking distance.

Town centre car parks

Free council car parks include Crabb Street (NN10 0RH), Duck Street (NN10 9ZA), John Street (NN10 9NL), North Street (NN10 6BU), Rectory Road/Portland Road (NN10 0HA) and Station Road/Splash Pool (NN10 9SG), typically 10–15 minutes' walk to the ground.

On-street parking

Limited on-street parking exists around Hayden Road. The club ask visitors not to park on Birch Road, Maple Road or Short Stocks, and to park responsibly on residential roads such as Hove Road and Cromwell Road.

Important Parking Advice

Use official or recommended parking where possible. Always check signs and do not block residents' driveways.

Pubs and Bars

Named pubs near the ground are not listed on Wikipedia or the club's official site. Check local listings before you travel, and get more options in the Follow Away app.

Local options

Location: Rushden

Distance: Check before you travel

No specific pubs are named on Wikipedia or the club's official site. Use the Follow Away app and local listings for away-friendly options.

Pub Tips for Away Fans

Be respectful and follow any steward or pub instructions. Policies can change by fixture.

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Food and Dining Options

Inside the Stadium

A bar and catering facility operate at Hayden Road Sports Ground, per afcdiamonds.com ground facilities.

  • Hot Food: Matchday kiosks where available
  • Drinks: Soft drinks and, where permitted, alcohol

Near the Stadium

Rushden

Check local listings in Rushden for cafes and restaurants.

Rushden

Rushden has a range of dining options — check local listings for matchday opening times.

Need a hotel?

Staying overnight? Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near Hayden Road Sports Ground on Google. For more options, get more venues on the Follow Away App.

Get more venues on the Follow Away App to find hotels and places to stay near the ground.

Ticket Information

Buying Tickets

Buy online via afcdiamonds.com/ticket-news and TicketSource, or at the turnstile on matchdays. Season tickets and membership options are published on the club website.

Ticket Prices

2025/26 fixture notices on afcdiamonds.com list league matchday admission as Adults £12, Concessions £9, ages 12–18 £5, Under 11 free. Check afcdiamonds.com for current 2026/27 pricing.

Important Ticket Information

  • Prefer official club channels or your own club's ticket office
  • Photo ID may be required for collection or entry
  • Never buy from touts or unofficial sources
  • Check sale dates and any segregation notices before you travel

Matchday Tips for Away Fans

Before the Match

  • Arrive Early: Allow time for travel, parking and security checks.
  • Transport: Check rail and bus operators for any matchday changes.

At the Stadium

  • Security: Bags may be searched; allow time at the turnstiles.
  • Seating: Follow stewards to the correct area for the fixture.
  • Facilities: Toilets and kiosks are usually in the concourses or clubhouse.

After the Match

  • Exiting: There may be a short hold-back. Follow steward instructions.
  • Transport: Allow extra time for the journey back.

General Advice

  • Cash & Cards: Many grounds accept contactless; some still prefer cash — check the club site.
  • Respect: Be respectful to home fans, stewards and local residents.

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