Two years ago, football fans in Rye were left disappointed when after 64 years Rye United closed their doors for the final time. Charmaine and Shane Ridgers decided that football in Rye was still very much needed and they began working hard to form Rye Town FC.
Charmaine said: “we started looking into what it entails to start a new football team in the East Sussex Football League. We contacted Rother District Council, who we knew we would have to hire the football pitch from, they welcomed our application. We also spoke to Rye Cricket Club, who own the pavilion on the Salts and again they welcomed our application with open arms. The Rye Cricket Club are currently trying to get the pavilion to become more of a community pavilion, the facilities down there are amazing and could provide a lot for the local community”.
Rye Town FC will be playing their home games on the Salts and have been entered into The East Sussex Football League Division 1 for the upcoming 2016/2017 Season. This means Rye will have local derby matches as they face Northiam 75 and Icklesham Casuals.
Shane said: “we are applying to become a Community Interest Company and once this has been done we can start ordering the kits. The home kit will be red and black and the away kit will be yellow and black”.
The club are aiming for pre-season training to start on Wednesday July 6 with friendlies being played throughout August.
Charmaine said:”we would like to thank our sponsors below because without them we would not have been able to make this happen”
- WS Wrights Ltd – Greg Say
- W Tollett (General Builders) Ltd – Jon Crafer
- Rye Gardening Services – Brian Clifton
- Rock Channel Marine Ltd – Andi Rivett
- Christian Kipps
The club are still looking for sponsors, but more for the upkeep and running of the club. The club will need volunteers to help out throughout the season, as much help as possible would be welcomed.
The club are hoping to hold a fundraising event down on the Salts on Sunday August 14. There will be a small children’s football tournament, different games, stalls and a BBQ with drinks available in the pavilion. As soon as there is more information, the organisers will let everyone know.
Photo: Charmaine & Shane Ridgers