User:Adg85bedford
| Full name | Riseley Sports Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Sports | ||
| Founded | 1896 | ||
| Ground | Gold Street,Riseley Riseley | ||
| Chairman | David Baldstone | ||
| Manager | Nigel Rees | ||
| League | The Bedfordshire County Football League | ||
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Riseley Sports Football Club is a football club representing Riseley, Bedfordshire, England. They are currently members of the Bedfordshire County Football League. Although there is evidence of football being played locally from 1610, the first records of a Riseley team date back to the 1890s named Riseley Excelsior. The current club began in 1903. After the first World War, Riseley was very successful with most of the players being villagers, although the champion winning team of 1920-21 included a overseas player - Prince Abanarida of Siam. During the 1930s, the clubs name became `Riseley All Stars` running three teams in different age groups. It became Riseley Sports when the football and cricket clubs amalgamated in 1962.
The Saturday team was formed in 1985 and flourished over the next decade with a strong nucleus of players drawn from the village and it was during this period that the continuing strong relationship with local sponsors Sporting Targets began. Over the years village families have made a vital contribution to the club. Nigel Gell, a former player is President while his brother Andrew is the Treasurer. The club progressed winning division title, The Diamond Jubilee Cup twice and the Aubery Tingay Cup in 1992. Riseley Sports achieved promotion to the Premier Division by winning the Division One title in the 1994/5 season.
A reserve side was started in 2002 to develop local young players and enjoyed success including winning The Watson Shield in 2008 beating Kings AFC in the final played at Caldecote F.C. Riseley Sports remained in the Premier Division until 2008 but after the dismise of the first team and withdrawal from the Premier, Sports reserve side stepped in to take the place of the first XI competing two divisions below. Manager and former player, Nigel Rees has rebuilt a new young team leading the club to Division Two and County Cup glory in the 2016/17 season, beating Cranfield UTD Res. 2-0 in the final played at Langford F.C.
The 2017/18 season saw Sports change their club badge, designed by player Jack Healy and voted on by the currant squad.