One of the worst things any footballer could hear...'Fully ruptured ACL'

Hi I'm Rubin - a centre forward for AFC St Austell. On the 15th August 2026 during the 3rd game of the season, I unfortunately sustained a knee injury and now the extent of that injury has been confirmed I am in need of an operation. I have ruptured my ACL and have sustained 2 meniscus tears so my season is over before it had really begun. I am currently out of action as a footballer and also my day to day job as a self-employed flooring fitter that relies heavily on my knees.

Football has been my life and passion since i could walk. I am absolutely devastated and lost for words. It feels like my whole life has been put on hold. The NHS have confirmed a waiting time of at least 8 months to receive the operation and the recovery time following would be approximately 12 months which is almost 2 years off the pitch and unable to perform my occupation.

For those that don't know my story, I was lucky enough to spend my youth football days from the age of 7 playing for Plymouth Argyle Football Club academy. At 16 I was offered a 2 year apprenticeship which was what I had been aiming for. It wasn't an easy journey, many highs but lots of lows too. As an apprentice, I was chosen to join the 1st team on my 18th birthday and played in the Carabao Cup against Swindon Town FC. What a special birthday gift that was! On completion of my apprenticeship, I was offered a Professional Contact during the lockdown in 2020. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for me.

I have continued to play non-league football for local teams in Cornwall and Devon and re-found my love and passion for the game after the heartbreak of being released from Argyle during that awful lockdown period where opportunities were limited.

Due to the NHS timelines, my only option is to get this surgery done privately to give me the best chance to get back playing football and back to work as soon as possible. This does not come cheap and I have set up this Go Fund Me to help with the cost of the surgery and recovery.

I know times are tough for us all but if you are able to support me with a donation or even sharing this page far and wide, it would mean the world to me and make a huge difference.

I'm beyond grateful for any support in helping me take this big step into getting back doing what I love.

Thanks to all my friends, family, AFC St Austell and teammates for their support since the incident, it means a lot.

'No athlete is truly tested until they've stared an injury in the face and came out on the other side stronger'

Thank you so much,

Rubes