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.
Photo credit: DE Photos
Scan from the KM newspaper
Our new U6’s (next seasons U7’s) enjoyed their first matches today in a local tournament.
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)
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
Huge congratulations to our U12s for their emphatic 4-0 win over title rivals Folkestone Invicta Youth at Baypoint on Sunday 28th April, in the East Kent Youth League Charles Ridge Memorial Cup. The boys worked hard for each other throughout, keeping up their excellent record of clean sheets and still only 9 goals conceded during the whole season! Alex was voted player of the match. The team are deserving champions, now chasing the double!
Huge congratulations too to our U12 Juniors, who beat Ramsgate Colts 2-1 in the Invitational Cup Final organised by the Faversham and District Youth Football League on Saturday 27th April hosted by Faversham Strike Force. Some fantastic attacking play in windy conditions, with Alonso voted player of the match! Well done all, and well done Alonso.
And hard luck to our U10 Colts, who played so well against a strong Dover Rangers team, losing 2-1 at the final whistle. The squad have made great progress throughout the season and should be proud of what they've achieved.
One more finals day, 11th May, for our U9s in the EKYFL Steve Ginger Memorial Cup...
Go Risers!!!
- Kathryn
We are proud to support a new Respect Initiative for young referees launched by the Kent FA…
Aimed at supporting young up and coming referees in Kent, our new initiative will see yellow armbands introduced for all referees under the age of 18 from the 2019/20 season. We are keen to support all referees in the game, but it is important to remember that those who are under the age of 18 are still children. The yellow armband will aim to remind everyone that the referee is still subject to the children’s safeguarding legislation, and should therefore be protected, encouraged and treated with the utmost respect.
Nick Dunn, Kent FA Referee Development Office, said: “Nearly one third of our current registered refereeing workforce in Kent is under the age of 18; we have over 1,600 affiliated match officials in this County and, whilst it is important we support every single match official, supporting our next generation of official is important for the longevity of refereeing.”
“The idea of the yellow armband is to help identify those referees who are under the age of 18 and ensure they are supported; the concept is to ensure that managers, coaches, parents and spectators think twice about making abusive or insulting comments to the young referees. Essentially, the armbands are to remind adults that the referee is still a child, learning to be the best official they can be; ultimately a reminder that these abusive comments can be detrimental to the retention of match officials.
"We have to understand that referees will make mistakes just like the young players they are refereeing; remember, they are human, and have to make a quick decision in a split second. This is all part of their development and I would ask that all managers, coaches, parents and spectators respect this. If anyone has an issue with a young referee, they should contact the County FA direct and not take issue with the referee directly. The introduction of the U18 Referee Armband for next season is further evidence that we take the wellbeing of our young referees extremely seriously.”
Darryl Haden, Kent FA Chief Executive Officer, added: “Kent FA is fully committed to supporting match officials within this County. This new initiative further highlights the importance of safeguarding young match officials under the age of 18, and builds on other initiatives we have led on such as our recent “Let us Play” material. It is important that Respect is embedded across all levels of football and that an innovative approach is taken to proactively educate all participants in the game.”
All Kent FA U18 Match Officials will receive their armband before the start of the 2019/20 season and it must be worn at all times whilst officiating.
Congratulations to Harvey and Ben - two of our former players, now graduates of the Kent FA Football Futures volunteer scheme, helping to coach some of our younger squads!!
Does your son or daughter (14 or older) want to start helping out and getting their hours logged on this volunteer scheme? Get in touch if so...
Congratulations to our U10 Juniors, March team of the month winners! They've developed a strong team ethos in just their first season together, working hard and showing resilience. Go Riser U10 Juniors!!
Congratulations to our U12s, joint winners for March, for consistency of performances and maintaining focus in their title challenge and cup run, with little more than 2 weeks to cup final day. Go Riser U12s!!
Thank you to all of our volunteers, parents, players, coaches, committee members, and sponsors for your continued support.
If you are interested in helping our growing club, please contact us.
