Anthony Sands

Chairman
Founding Member
Welfare Officer
Coach (UEAFA B)

I am the proud Chairman of Rising Stars Youth FC and one of the founding members. I’m also a coach and one of our three Club Welfare Officers. My 3 sons have all played for the club and my eldest helps coach 2 of our teams. My wife, also a founder member, is on the Executive Committee.

The club is really proud of our ‘football for all’ philosophy and how much fun our players, boys and girls, have while part of the RISERS family. We’re an exciting club to be part of, one that is constantly evolving and innovating, with so many amazing and creative members. One of our main goals is to find our own home ground that we can call our own, and help provide football for even more children. GO RISERS!

Sam Allen

Co-Chairman
Website Manager
Kit & Equipment Manager
Coach (FA Level 1)

I joined the club in January 2017 to help coach my eldest son (who was already showing signs of being a better footballer than me at the age of 6)! I now coach both of my sons teams at Rising Stars, as well as help the committee with various roles - I am very proud to be part of this great club.

Jenny Hancock

Club Secretary
Social Media Manager

As Club Secretary, I support the Riser Committee with admin, player registrations and social events (bunting is my specialty!). As team coordinator for the U12 (blue) team, I enjoy helping our coaches on match days, welcoming new players, and coordinating teambuilding events. Both my boys play for Rising Stars. We’re proud to be part of the RISERS family!

georgina Baxter

Assistant Club & League Secretary

I am the assistant secretary and leagues secretary, I joined Risers at the start of the 2022/23 season as the assistant coach, I am also the team coordinator, a role I enjoy doing. When I was asked if I could help out with the committee I jumped at the chance as I love to meet new people and help out. Being part of the Risers family is great fun. 

STEVE RUMBALL

Club President
Founding Member
Welfare Officer
Coach (FA Level 2 Adults / Level 3 Youth)

Hi all I’m Steve Rumball. I coach and manage 2 Riser Teams, 1 Whitstable team and 2 district teams. I’m also a Welfare Officer for the Risers and the Club President.

Please feel free to contact me for anything to do with the Risers.

Susie Rumball

Club Treasurer
Founding Member

MONICA Sands

Social Secretary
Founding Member

As Social Secretary, I help organise club events (Christmas party, Summer Fun Day and the Annual Awards), bringing everyone together to celebrate our players’ achievements. If you have ideas for an event, get in touch!

ROB LEDGER

Pitch Bookings Officer

I joined the club in 2022 to help coach my son's team U12W. Through the club I am now a qualified FA level one coach and looking to get myself on the UEFA C Course. My daughter started playing for Risers in January for the U15GY team. Moving into the next season I am taking on the role as pitch bookings officer. I love being part of the team to help all children play football.  

JOHN SANDS

Referees Secretary

Aileen McCartney

Fixtures Secretary - EKYL and FDYL

I am the fixtures secretary for Faversham and District Youth League, in which we have nine teams between U7 and U12 for season 23/24 and for East Kent Youth League in which we have 5 teams from U10 to U15 for season 23/24.  My role is to organise and coordinate our home fixtures and ensure away teams have all the information they need. For away games I make sure we have received match information and that our coaches have all this in good time to inform their teams. Finally I liaise with our referee coordinator to make sure referees have been requested for our games and with our pitch management officer to ensure pitches are booked. I also liaise with the league regarding any changes to kick off times, cancellations or any other issues.  I am also team coordinator for my youngest sons team and spend as much time as I can watching him and his older brother who also plays for Risers.

GARY DARCH

Fixtures Secretary - KGLFL

Last season was my first as Fixtures Secretary for the Rising Stars girls and I am about to embark on my second season.  My role includes liaising with each weeks opposition for my teams as well as our Referee Secretary and Pitch Booking officer to ensure that match day goes smoothly. My daughter plays for the Riser’s U13G team.

Andrew Boughton

Fixtures Secretary - ADYFL
Grants Officer
Coach (FA Level 1)

Joined the club in 2015 to help coach my son’s team - a role that now includes two teams. I am also responsible for grant applications to funding bodies to help the club to continue to provide the best possible environment for youth football.

Chris Gremo

Sponsorships Officer

KERRY HALES

Volunteer Coordinator

My support with Rising Stars is assisting the club’s teams communication.  My son is in the U14’s and I am often found on the side-lines cheering them on.  

LUCIA BERGAMASCO

Website & Graphic Design Support

My son joined Rising Stars at the beginning of the year and absolutely loves it. He is now playing for U12 Blue team. We moved to Whitstable from Sydney, Australia 7 years ago. I am very creative and passionate about communication design so when this role was posted my hand went straight up.