A trial in the snow: how Hessle Rangers began
Twelve boys, six inches of snow, and a mum who would not let them go without a team. The story of how Hessle Rangers started in 1976.
Hessle Rangers was formed in February 1976, and it started with one problem. Peter and Janet Bilsdon's son, Mike, found himself without a team.
Janet knew a few of his friends were in the same boat. So she organised a trial to see whether a team could be put together. It took place on a field in Hessle in six inches of snow. Twelve boys turned up. At that point Peter realised he had no choice but to match their commitment, and the club was born.
The first season
The team joined the Hull Boys Sunday Football League that September at under-12 level. They lined up against the likes of Pickering Rovers, Pickering Rangers, Minehead Rangers, Mettoy United, Cavendish Maybury, Ringstead Rangers, Orchard Park United, Bilton Legion Boys and Preston Boys.
The club's first ever game was a 1-4 defeat to Cavendish Maybury. Brian Lee scored that first Rangers goal. It was not the start anyone dreams of, but every club has to begin somewhere, and this one was up and running.
Sky blue and white
In 1978 the club adopted its sky blue and white stripes, the colours we still wear. It happened after the 1978 World Cup. The new world champions Argentina had made their kit famous, the colours were on offer in the local sports shop, and the players voted for them. Nearly half a century later they are part of who we are.
From twelve boys to 39 teams
Peter and Janet Bilsdon gave this club its name and its start. From those twelve boys in the snow, Hessle Rangers has grown into a club of 39 teams, with girls', ladies, men's, youth and walking football. The story that began on a snowy field in 1976 is still being written, and as we reach our 50th year, it is a story we are proud to tell.
Our Game. Our Pride. Our Future.