Football fans donate toys in first 'teddy toss'

Fans of a non-league football team have been praised for spreading the joy of Christmas, by donating dozens of soft toys for the club's first "teddy toss".

AFC Rushden & Diamonds invited supporters to fling cuddly bears towards the pitch at half-time at Hayden Road on Saturday, with all toys to be gifted to disadvantaged local children.

Chairman Rob Usher said he was incredibly proud and the gesture summed up the spirit of the community-owned club.

"It's absolutely brilliant and what Christmas is all about," he added.

The idea came from Real Betis football club in Seville, Spain, where every Christmas thousands of teddy bears rain down at its three-tier, 60,000-capacity stadium.

In a scaled-down version, bears were thrown into an England flag held out by a group of young Diamonds fans as they walked around the pitch during the 0-1 defeat to Darlaston Town, watched by 477 fans.

"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 credited the "fantastic" Marc Jarrett, one of the club's directors, for organising the teddy toss, having previously suggested a food bank collection and support for a homeless charity.

"He's amazing and whatever we do we just know the fans always, always deliver," he added.

The club hopes to make the teddy toss an annual event, with plans for a similar generous gesture at Easter.

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