AFC Rushden & Diamonds Fans Participate in Inaugural ‘Teddy Toss’ Toy Donation

Supporters of a non-league football club have received commendation for their contribution to Christmas cheer, having contributed numerous soft toys during the team’s inaugural “teddy toss” event. AFC Rushden & Diamonds encouraged its supporters to throw plush bears onto the pitch during the half-time interval at Hayden Road on Saturday. The collected toys are intended for donation to underprivileged children in the local area. Rob Usher, the club’s Chairman, expressed immense pride, stating that the initiative exemplified the ethos of the community-owned organization. “It’s absolutely brilliant and what Christmas is all about,” he added. This concept originated from Real Betis football club in Seville, Spain, where each Christmas sees thousands of teddy bears descend upon its three-tier, 60,000-capacity stadium. In a more modest adaptation, the bears were tossed into an England flag carried by a group of young Diamonds supporters who paraded around the pitch. This occurred during the team’s 0-1 loss to Darlaston Town, an event attended by 477 spectators. “Because we did it at half-time everyone was walking around holding teddy bears on their way to the football and during the first half – it was surreal,” added Mr Usher. “We were terrible on the pitch yesterday, but it doesn’t really matter when our club is here to support the community and try to make people’s lives that bit better.” Mr. Usher acknowledged Marc Jarrett, described as “fantastic” and a director at the club, for orchestrating the teddy toss. Jarrett had previously proposed initiatives such as a food bank collection and assistance for a homeless charity. “He’s amazing and whatever we do we just know the fans always, always deliver,” he added. The club intends for the teddy toss to become an annual tradition, with aspirations for a comparable charitable undertaking around Easter. For updates on Northamptonshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.