Ruskin Park Rapids

27/05/2026

What a journey.............. from Crewe Allstars ➡️ Crewe Town Vipers ➡️ Ruskin Park Rapids

We hoped for one last game this evening but it wasn't to be. But that doesn't over shadow the journey we've all been on............

So many people involved over the years, from Martin setting it up, Gaz taking over the reigns, and Andy being there pretty much all the way through and by my side for the last 5 years, and Bobby keeping everything ticking over and organised for me.

It's been such a rollercoaster and there has been so many memories made that will hopefully last a lifetime. As with everything it's not all been sunshine and roses, but I'd like to think all the highs far outweigh the odd low.

Behind every amazing player we've had, we've had some pretty top parents and family aswell, always fiercely supportive of the team 🤣 and always supportive of myself also, so massive thank you to each and everyone of them, both past and present.

But it's the players that make it all worth while, seeing their smiling faces, every goal celebration, every last ditch tackle, every big save and watching them improve as footballers over the years.

Thank you to each and everyone that have played for me over the years (plus the many more that came before me)

Logan 👏
Tristan 👏
Kayne 👏
Tjay 👏
Aaron 👏
Kieran (Rashford) 👏
Connor S 👏
Kieran G 👏
Owen B 👏
Rylan 👏
Corey 👏
Ralph 👏
William 👏
Kian 👏
Bradley 👏
Alex 👏
Jenson 👏
Henley 👏
James 👏
Harry 👏
Tyler 👏
Luke 👏
Jeffro 👏
Brandon 👏
Kaleb 👏
Nicole 👏
Aston 👏
Dylan 👏
Josh 👏
Riley 👏
Brodi 👏
Bailey 👏
Nathan 👏
Karol 👏
Charlie 👏
Jamie 👏
Rhys 👏
Oli 👏
Jo 👏
Connor F 👏
Wilf 👏
Callum B 👏
Owen F 👏
Callum R 👏

(It was hard work trying to remember every name, I hope I've not forgot anyone 🤣)

We don't yet 100% know what the future and next year will bring yet and hopefully many of these players we will get to cross paths with again, either on the same side as or across the pitch from. But the team as a whole bows out at u16's after a remarkable journey from u8's.

24/03/2026

A quick catch up of the of the last few weeks.

15/3 Ruskin Park Rapids vs Ruskin Park Raiders

A tough game on paper vs one of the strongest teams in the league. Made even tougher with just a bare 11 players whilst the opposition had numerous subs. Rapids took the lead though, HENLEY with the long range strike that dipped over the Raiders keeper. Before half time Raiders levelled a good low strike that flew into the corner.

Half time: Rapids 1-1 Raiders

2nd half continued to be a very even game, both sides having good chances. Raiders went ahead, after a through ball found there striker who looked his shot away nicely. Rapids bounced back though and equalised, another stunning strike by HENLEY found the top corner to draw us level.

Full time: Ruskin Park Rapids 2-2 Ruskin Park Raiders (Henley 2)

Motm: HENLEY - Ran the game in midfield, dictated the play and scored 2 stunning goals.

22/3 Cheshire Blades Vipers vs Ruskin Rapids

Another tough game vs a team we've come close to getting results against in the past but have always fallen short. Like the week before the boys competed really well in what was an even game again. Henley had a few early long range efforts that went close. Owen at the other end made a coupe of good stops. We took the lead.midway through the half when CONNOR got through 1 v 1 with the keeper and calmly finished into the bottom corner.

Half time: Vipers 0-1 Rapids

2nd half the Vipers started to pile the pressure on, but Rapids were dangerous on the break, we won a free kick on the edge of the box, and Tristans strike forced the keeper into a good stop, Oli was 1st to the rebound but his shot went just the wrong side of the post. After a bit of pressure Blades won a penalty, fortunately for the Rapids the pen went just wide of the post. Rapids nearly added to their lead with a lovely move Henleys ball was perfect for Cal, his 1st touch was sublime he then hit a shot on the half volley but unfortunately he only found the side netting. Rapids defended the last few minutes well to see out a good victory.

Full time: Cheshire Blades Vipers 0-1 Ruskin Park Rapids (Connor)

Motm: CONNOR - Played upfront 1st half and lead the line well, taking his goal very calmly. 2nd half he was needed at right back and did a super job, didn't give their captain a kick and marked him out of the game.

02/02/2026

Managers match report:

Cheshire Blades Vipers vs Ruskin Park Rapids

The Rapids travelled to a wet and soggy Peacock to take on a decent Blades Vipers team. We were missing a few key players so it looked like a tough task. Even more so for the fact this was to be our 1st game on a grass pitch since last May. We started off slowly and could have been a goal down after a minute as Vipers attacked straight through the middle of our defence, but the effort went wide. The boys soon got used to the surface and actually began to knock the ball around quite well. It was a bit of a clash in styles with the Vipers going a little more direct. But the boys at the back started off well and dealt well with a few long high balls into our box. The Rapids then started creating chances of our own, Henley with a snap shot that flew just over. And Connor found space in the box, his strike trickled narrowly wide. Our biggest chance of the half then came and went, Henley slid a lovely through ball to Cal, he went clean through on goal, but instead of shooting tried to square the ball for Connor but couldn't quite find him. Vipers then took the lead and it was a soft goal from our point of view, they attacked down their left and when the cross came in, the opposite winger was left un marked and he bundled the ball in off his chest from a yard out. Owen prevented Vipers going 2 up with a smart save from a low driven shot.

Half time:

Cheshire Blades Vipers 1-0 Ruskin Park Rapids

2nd half we changed formation as they were getting too much space in wide areas. This seemed to work and despite alot of long balls into the Rapids box, Vipers struggled to create much in the 2nd half. Rapids came very close to levelling though, Jamie played Henley in, Hen picked his spot but the Vipers keeper made a top save, the rebound fell to Tristan on the edge of the box, he struck a powerful strike that cannoned off the cross bar. Rapids were pushing for an equaliser but they found a top keeper in form keeping them out, once again we tested him as Jamie hit a good effort from outside the box, but again the keeper made a good stop. As the game was coming to a close, Vipers killed the game off, a questionable free kick decision on the halfway line, and a ball was again pumped into our box, Vipers won the flick on and a player was left free near the penalty spot and hit a low strike to put the Vipers 2 up. We didn't have much time to respond, we tried pushing extra players forwards but to no avail. A very even match, that realiscally could have gone either way.

Full time: Cheshire Blades Vipers 2-0 Ruskin Park Rapids

POTM 🏆: JAMIE - Was fantastic in midfield all game, super composed on the ball. Drove us up the pitch at times and did a good job not only creating chances for us but stopping the opposition.

25/01/2026

Managers match report:

Crewe fc vs Ruskin Park Rapids

After a run of poor results recently, we faced a good Crewe FC side knowing we would need to be at our best to pick up any points this morning.

The 1st half was a very good watch. Both teams played some lovely passing football making for a good watch. Oli making his first appearance since last season and Cal on the wings brought alot of pace to the team and constantly caused Crewe fc plenty of problems. Our 1st chance came from some good play by Cal down the right, he crossed for Connor but his shot went just wide. Tjay then quickly had a couple of efforts that flashed wide of the target. Crewe FC were also a threat aswell, a few quick lads up top gave us plenty to be concerned about. They also created a couple of chances that narrowly went wide. Before half time some lovely skill by both Oli and Henley created the chance for Connor, he tried to curl an effort into the bottom corner but the keeper made a good stop.

Half time: Crewe fc 0-0 Rapids

2nd half started with Crewe fc trying to keep possession in their own half, a good press from the Rapids though saw us win the ball high up the pitch. Cal then drove forward and released a lovely ball through to CONNOR, he kept his composure and a lovely finish gave the Rapids the lead. Crewe FC tried to respond, a few times they almost got in but some good last ditch defending, particularly from Wilf kept us ahead. We still tried to be a threat ourselves though, Henley hitting a decent long range strike but he couldn't quite keep it low enough, Jamie also tried his luck from range, but his shot only stung the keepers gloves. For the last few moments with Crewe FC pileing some pressure on, we reverted to 4 at the back with Tristan dropping into the backline to help see the game out. The closest they came was a shot from the edge of the box that Owen did well to get down and tip wide.

Full time: Crewe FC 0-1 Ruskin Park Rapids (Connor)

A fantastic team performance today. Much more like the Rapids we all know today. To Crewe fc credit they played some lovely football aswell which made for a good game.

POTM 🏆 : RHYS - Made a few mistakes on the ball early on, but kept going and was so tenacious all over the pitch. Made lots of tackles and always got back to support the team. Honourable mentions for Wilf and Owen F who both had fantastic games also.

10/12/2025

Rapids had a great time at the Arena in Crewe, as a Christmas treat for the lads. A big thanks to Ruskin Park Football Club for arranging 🧡

🎄🎅⚫️🟠⚽️🎄🎅

Christmas has gone black and orange 🟠⚫️

Last weekend The Arena in crewe hosted our older teams Christmas party.

What a night it was. Got us all in the festive mood. With Darts, Pool, Food, Fun and competitions galore.

Roll on Friday when the little teams take on

Ninja Warrior 🟠⚫️🎅🎄

07/12/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Rebel-Warriors vs Ruskin Park Rapids

An early morning derby game as we faced Rebel-Warriors for the 2nd time this season after a tightly fought 2-2 draw a few months ago.

Rapids started the stronger of the 2 teams and moved the ball around well, as they dominated the early possession. We were however restricted to a few long range efforts by Connor F, Henley and Tristan. Midway through the half though we did get the breakthrough. HENLEY picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and with pin point accuracy found the corner with Rebel-Warriors goal keeper at full stretch. Rebel-Warriors hit back immediately though, a long ball found their striker who just beat Connor to the ball, unfortunately our keeper clipped him and the ref pointed to the spot. Connor got close to saving the pen bit unfortunately couldn't quite keep it out. Rapids were still on the front foot though and creating all the chances. Jamie had a good effort from range that whistled just wide. We then got ourselves back infront, Henley threaded a perfect ball through that found CALLUM and his pace took him away from the Rebel-Warriors defence and he slotted then ball nicely into the corner for his 1st Rapids goal.

Half time: Rebel-Warriors 1-2 Rapids

After a dominant 1st half where Rebel-Warriors struggled to test our keeper other than the penalty, it was Rebel-Warriors who started the 2nd half the stronger. They immediately put us under pressure. A scramble in the box resulted in our keeper going down injured in the box, the ref carried on though, James managed to head an effort of the line and the follow up went just wide. Shortly after Rebel-Warriors equalised, Connor who was still feeling the effects of the earlier knock just couldn't get down quick enough to a near post strike that squeezed in. Unfortunately Connor then had to be replaced with Owen once again stepping up in goal. From this point the game turned very scrappy, with very few clear cut chances. Then with 10 minutes to go, we conceded another penalty, this time Owen bundled a player over. But the stand in keeper pulled of a stunning save low to his right. The last few minutes saw Rapids push for a winner, Cal once again, caused Rebel-Warriors problems with his pace, he skipped passed his marker but the angle was too tight to squeeze his shot in.

Full time: Ruskin Park Rebel-Warriors 2-2 Ruskin Park Rapids (Henley, Cal)

A game of 2 half's, Rapids dominant in the 1st but Rebel-Warriors came back into the game 2nd half as the Rapids tired. A stunning penalty save from Owen saved us a point.

POTM 🏆: JAMIE - he's been fantastic the last couple of games in his CDM role. Broke up play very well, won a few good headers and when he got on the ball he was calm and composed.

24/11/2025

Our goals from yesterday's match by Henley and Owen. Also featuring Tristans last minute free kick that almost won the game for us.

23/11/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Rapids vs AFC Alsager

A tough test for the boys this morning as we took on the league leaders who have won every game this season. The Rapids started the game pretty well, Cal using his pace to cause a few early problems and Connor had an early effort that was comfortable for there keeper. After 5 minutes though Alsager took an early lead, a ball was squared into the box for what looked a simple goal but Owen F did superb to clear off the line, unfortunately though the same players was hand to score from the rebound. After the goal Alsager started to get on top, they had 2 very lively wingers that made life hard but the lads defended really well making a few brilliant last ditch tackles and Owen B in goal made a few good stops and was sharp off his line to stop any Alsager attacks.

Half time: Rapids 0-1 Alsager

At the start of the 2nd half, Alsager nearly doubled there lead, but Connor who had come on at half time raced off his line and made a really brave save at the feet of an Alsager attacker. Then midway through the half Alsager did double there lead, instead of clearing the ball in our own box we over played and got caught out, we managed to block the 1st Alsager strike but they were 1st to the rebound and scored. Against a really good side the Rapids could have easily given up but they did anything but that. A lovely ball from Owen F down the right found HENLEY on the edge of the box, a nice bit of footwork followed by a lovely strike into the top corner got the Rapids right back into the game. Then with just 5 minutes to go we got the equaliser our efforts deserved. Henley with a low free kick, Karol dummied the ball and OWEN B timed his run perfectly and scored with a crisp low strike. After this both teams pushed for a winner. Alsager won a couple of corners but some heroic defending including a few big headers from Jamie kept Alsager out. Then with just a minute to go Rapids won a free kick, a long way out on the left hand side. Tristan placed the ball and let fly, his effort looked destined for the top corner only for the Alsager keeper to pull off a worldie save to prevent the Rapids picking up all 3 points.

Full time: Ruskin Park Rapids 2-2 AFC Alsager (Henley, Owen B)

A fantastic effort from every player. To take a point off a very good side that had a 100% record before today. Lots of praise from the opposition coaches aswell which was nice to hear.

POTM 🏆 : WHOLE TEAM - Couldn't single one player out today. It was a complete team performance with every player contributing to a very good performance.

17/11/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Raiders vs Ruskin Park Rapids

Another Ruskin derby yesterday. As we faced the Raiders again. We have struggled vs Raiders this season, and with a threadbare squad yesterday feared the worst again

We started with just 10 players, a few of the lads playing out of position also, most notably captain Owen was in goal. We started very organised and did well to frustrate Raiders and limit them to every few chances. When they did get the odd chance Owen did well to save. One particular very good stop tipping an effort wide that was going in the bottom corner. Midway through the half the pressure did eventually tell, a long range effort that flew into the top corner and have Owen no chance. It wasn't all backs against the wall though, we did still show some l attacking intent, especially as we went up to 11 players. Henley hit a long-range strike that drifted over the bar. Callum also created a chance for himself bit his near post shot was well saved.

Half time: Ruskin Raiders 1-0 Rapids

A positive 1st half where the lads did very well to contain a very good team.

2nd half followed a similar pattern, Raiders having most of the play but the Rapids defending really well and restricting them to very few chances. Owen stopped alot of Raiders promising attacks being very quick off his line and showing good composure with his feet when needed. Unfortunately Rapids did fall further behind though, a free kick from the edge of the box was hit low and hard into the corner to double Raiders lead. Wilf and Logan in particular at centre back were very strong in there defending both kept things simple and headed and cleared most things thrown at them. Raiders added a 3rd as the lads began to get tired. We kept playing and battling to the end though and were rewarded for that. TRISTAN latched onto a poor back pass and used his pace and power to beat the the Raiders defender to the ball and blast his strike into the goal.

Full time: Ruskin Park Raiders 3-1 Ruskin Park Rapids (Tristan)

Overall a really good performance, especially considering the bare 11 (10 at times) today. The lads all worked hard and defended like heroes.

POTM 🏆: OWEN B - Stepped up in goal and put on a great performance. Made some great stops and was also really alive coming off his line and stopping alot of attacks.