For nearly three decades Rye Bay Football Club has been nurturing young footballers. Run by volunteers and supported by local families, the club has become a cornerstone of youth sport in the Rye area, providing opportunities for hundreds of children to enjoy the game, develop new skills and build lasting friendships.
On Sunday May 31 Rye Bay FC held their presentation day at the Rye Rugby Club ground and all the families of the footballers came to support and watch their children receive their trophies. Cllr Chris Hoggart, Mayor of Rye, came to show his support for the youngsters also. He commented, “It was fantastic to represent the town at the Rye Bay Football Club’s presentation day. In particular, it was great to meet some of the coaches and volunteers who give up their time so that our youngsters can get some outdoor exercise and enjoy their sport.”
Supporting and encouraging young people in sport has never been more important. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, social media and sedentary lifestyles, sport offers children and teenagers the chance to be active, build confidence and develop resilience.
Charlene Dowbekin and Abbie Viney who are mums at the club and amazing organisers of the day, thanked everyone involved in Rye Bay FC’s 2025/26 season:
As the curtain falls on another memorable grassroots football season we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has played a part in making it such a success.
Grassroots football is about far more than the results on a Saturday or Sunday morning. It is built on dedication, commitment, teamwork and community spirit. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of so many people who work tirelessly behind the scenes throughout the year. To our players: thank you for your enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship. Whether celebrating victories, learning from defeats, or simply enjoying the game with teammates and friends, you have represented our club with pride and passion throughout the season.
To our parents and families: your support has been invaluable. From early morning starts and long journeys to your encouragement from the sidelines, your commitment enables our young players to enjoy the opportunities that football provides. Thank you for your patience, positivity, and unwavering support.
To our coaches: we are deeply grateful for the countless hours you dedicate to training sessions, match preparation, player development and mentoring. Your commitment extends far beyond the football pitch, helping to build confidence, friendships and life skills in every player you work with.
A special thank you must also go to our sponsors: your generosity and belief in grassroots sport provide essential support that allows our club to continue offering opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. Your contributions make a genuine difference and are greatly appreciated by everyone connected with the club.
Finally, we would like to recognise our committee members and volunteers for the countless hours spent organising fixtures, managing finances, maintaining facilities, arranging events and ensuring the smooth running of the club and which often go unseen. Your hard work and dedication form the foundation upon which our club is built. Together, you have helped create a positive, welcoming and successful environment where players can develop, compete and most importantly, enjoy football. On behalf of the entire club, thank you for your commitment, hard work and support throughout the 2025/26 season.
We now look forward to building on this year’s achievements and welcoming everyone back for another exciting season ahead. Have a wonderful summer and thank you for being part of our football family. Just a few of our achievements this season: U15 Reds – Rother youth league Cup winners and Willingdon tournament shield winner; U15 whites – Blue league cup winners and semi-finalists of the Rother League Shield; U11 – semi-finalists of the Rother league shield and unbeaten since November.
Rye Bay FC sponsors: Octopus Energy, Rye Town Barbers, Frankie’s on the Beach, LRS, Jim Soan & sons, Parker’s, Camber Beach Shop, Kitkat Cafe, MF Tree Services, The Brighton group, TE Connectivity, Castle plumbing & heating, EWP, The Crown, Mark Appleton, Diamond Kos, John Masters plumbing, WS Wrights and Rother Tyres.
Frankie’s Gourmet Grill has a special truck at the Rye Rugby Club and serves fresh, high-quality food for all the sports teams and their families. They are proud sponsors of the sports clubs who use the pitch at Rye Rugby Club.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .