Match Report: U8's v Folkestone Invicta

Today back in home action the Rising Stars under 8s took on a strong Folkestone Invicta side in a mouth watering match up. After a strong start last week the Risers were looking to kick on and build on their impressive start to the season. In a very tight first half the home side were strong defensively particularly through the efforts of Charlie, Zak and Henry and clinical in front of goal when good team play presented them with opportunities. Josh and Albert helping themselves to goals. The Stars deserving their half time lead.

The second half continued to be end to end with two very good goalkeepers impressing throughout. As the game opened up in the latter stages the Riser lads continued to take their chances and extended their lead. Zak, Albert and Josh all adding goals. As the Stars kept battling Seb, Myles and Albert kept the Folkestone defence busy and their hard work allowed Josh to tap home to complete his hat trick.

Folkestone fought right to the end and won themselves a penalty late on, only for it to be kept out be a terrific stop from Charlie!

All in all a good performance from the Riser lads who will be eager to carry this form over in to a big game next week.

- Tom

Match Report: U12 Girls v TSS

Despite the dew leaving the pitch moist underfoot, the ground remained solid after the summer baking as our team took on a familiar TSS team from Ashford. The pre-season friendlies that the Rising Stars hierarchy had arranged for the team had proven to be excellent preparation for the team and they appeared to be at full match fitness from the whistle.

Attack after attack ended fruitless, the strikers being denied on numerous occasions by a cocktail of steadfast defending, luck of the bounce and the woodwork. Ella M produced the breakthrough that was well-deserved, immediately elevating herself to golden boot leader with our first goal of the season after some fancy footwork and a sublime finish.

After each Risers’ attack, TSS would surreptitiously move the ball to their strikers in an attempt to counter but this was often thwarted by solid defending from either Ella D, Nancy or Izzie.

Sydney and Lexi worked hard in the attacking third and were well supported by Maddison, Scarlett, Lorea and Angelica in midfield.

TSS finally broke down the Risers’ defence halfway through the second half and levelled the score. Bethan had another trademark game in goal, commanding her area and using her position to pass instructions through the ranks.

The final 10 minutes saw opportunities and threats to the scoreline and many were relieved to hear the final whistle when it finally sounded.

This was solid performance from both teams and gave us all a glimpse into what this season could have in store for us.

The travelling TSS support was excellent and all agreed that we had witnessed an superb spectacle.

Next week Risers travel to Sittingbourne and hope to be more clinical in front of goal in order to come away with all three points.

Final score Risers 1 – 1 TSS

U11 Girls WIN Anchorians Tournament!

At the crack of dawn, Risers U11 girls travelled to Gillingham to compete in the Anchorians Tournament. The sun was beating down but was fortunately accompanied by a welcome breeze.

The team we’re going to need to finish in the top two of their group to progress to the semi finals and the opposition was of an incredibly high standard.

The team made light work of all of their opponents registering 3 wins and a draw against local rivals Herne Bay Rangers. All matches were played in the usual spirit and Risers topped the group.

Our semi final was against Anchorian Hearts and was a stalemate until the final whistle meaning that a penalty shootout was necessary to split the teams.

Our girls converted every single one of their spot kicks and Bethan was able to keep out one of our opponents’. The team progressed to the final to face Medway.

The momentum remained with Risers and their confidence was at an all time high. A hard fought game ended 1-0 to our girls and it was a fitting end to what has been a superb season!!

Well done team and Neil and parents, a fabulous morning!

- Carl

Winning BIG at the Galactico Tournament!

Rising Stars had a great weekend at the Galactico FC Tournament…

U10s WON the Cup final 🏆

U9 Colts WON the Plate final 🏆

U7s were RUNNERS UP in the Cup final 🏆

U7 Juniors were narrowly beaten in a penalty shoot out in the semi-finals

Lots of smiles and fantastic football all around. 
Go Risers! 

U11 Girls v TW Foresters

In their final encounter of the league season the loquacious U11G squad travelled, once again, to Tunbridge Wells to face the ever-welcoming Foresters team.

Captain Charlotte won the toss and decided to play with the benefit of the slope in the first half and the girls were reminded to ensure they capitalised on this as much as possible.

The first 20 minutes proved tight and even the well drilled rotisserie of roll-on roll-off substitutions failed to break the deadlock until Angelica final threw caution to the wind and struck home from distance.

The Risers players seemed to relax and settle into the game thereafter and the give ‘ n ‘ go drills that they had worked on became almost instinctive as they carved open the Foresters again and again.

The second half followed an identical pattern with valiant defending from Foresters being constantly tested by the Rising Stars machine.

This game saw Madison regaining much of her early season form meaning that she was impossible for the opponents to deal with in midfield. Madison regularly linked up with Nancy, Scarlett, Ella M and Izzy and was a true thorn in the side of our hosts.

Lizzie had another incredible game and was the penultimate line of defence before the on-rushing strikers attempted to beat the ever-brilliant Bethan in goal.

This team, through every position, has proved itself to be a fun-loving and capable unit. The former, fun-loving, is a major factor in their success. Sport is about fun, first and foremost, and this group have reinforced this week after week. Everyone associated with this group of superb young people has learnt something. Community, spirit, desire, passion, hard work, commitment, understanding and acceptance to name but a few.

There is an ever increasing campaign known as

#thisgirlcan

Well, These girls definitely can.....and have!

We are all incredibly proud of you all and what you have achieved this season and look forward to supporting you all for many years to come.

- Carl

U12s Win the Double!

Rising Stars U12s ended a fantastic season by winning the league and cup double! They finished joint top with Folkestone Invicta Youth - the team they beat 4-0 in the Charles Ridge Memorial Cup Final on 28th April 2019.

The squad are pictured receiving their awards at the East Kent Youth League presentation at Margate's Winter Gardens on Saturday 11th May.

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Photo credit: DE Photos

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Scan from the KM newspaper

Match Report: U10 Girls v Anchorians Halos

Last time the U10 Girls played Anchorians Halos, they knocked us out of the cup at home, 5-1. So we knew they were a strong side.

Anchorians started quickly but Risers matched the game's early intensity. Even after the first 5 minutes there had been chances at both ends. Connie in goal had a great first half, stopping a number of shots and coming out fast to clear balls. Risers' first-half chances came from Eloise, who didn't have quite enough time to bring the ball to her right foot for a shot 6 yards out, and Amy, who hit an absolute rocket from well outside the box, just wide. But my word, if that had gone in... All even at half time, thoroughly entertaining football from both sides.

The high tempo continued in the second half, it was Anchorians that got the breakthrough, about 8 minutes in. Risers looked gutted as they kicked off again, but very quickly carried on playing their positive game. For the rest of the game it was Risers that looked more likely to score, with notable chances for Bea Farrell, who shot just wide, and Grace, whose shot was also just wide at the other post, after a lovely throughball from Eloise.

At the finish, the girls had given their all, but I'm not sure I've ever seen a game where a loss almost felt like a win... The sheer determination of the Riser girls and the brilliant football being played was so good. Parents rushed over to congratulate the players, who all received 'player of the match' from Kathryn. One of the opponents' parents also came over to complement the team, especially Connie's commanding goalkeeping.

- Rick Farrell (team coordinator)

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U7's in Tournament Action

Our U7’s had their first 6 a side tournament at Herne Bay today…

A late head injury to Albert at school ruled him out with mild concussion which left us with no subs. Not letting that get them down, they won the group drawing 1 and winning 4 without conceding a single goal!

Into the semis and the tiredness set in, close game, drew 0-0 which took them to penalties.

Controversial decision from the ref on the line awarded a very close one for them (no VAR at Herne Bay yet 😂) and we went out 2-1 to the team that eventually won the final. No goals conceded in open play and great play all round!

- Paul