History
The Kent County FA was formed in October 1881 by two friends – M.P, Betts (Secretary) and G.W. Prall (Treasurer).
Over the next few years matters became more formalised. Mr A.G.O Kennedy was appointed secretary in 1888 and he made a great difference in creating a proper structure for football. He was taken ill in 1892 and died in December of that year.
From Mr. Kennedy’s base P.J. Leckie became secretary and served until 1986 and was succeeded by J Albert who served until 1905. During that time the Association made great strides forward reaching a total of 297 clubs and 41 leagues. In 1905 the gate receipts from the Kent Senior Cup Final amounted £233.
In 1905 J. Albert relinquished his position as Secretary through pressure of outside commitments. The Council later that year resolved that position of Secretary become a full-time post at maximum salary of £80 per annum for 3 years. It was also resolved that the Secretary must reside in Chatham. Frank Lockwood was appointed as the first full-time Secretary and served until his death in 1914. By that time the number of affiliated clubs had risen to 600.
After the First World War had ended, Captain J. Rigden assumed the role of Secretary and served until 1926 when he was replaced by much revered Stanley Brown.
Stanley became the longest serving Secretary occupying the position until 1964. It was Stanley’s foresight which enabled the Association to acquire 69 Maidstone Road, Chatham which remained the headquarters for 62 years until 2009 when the Association relocated to Cobdown, Ditton.
Brown retired in 1964 and was replaced by Dick Speake. He in turn reached retirement age in 1978 when Keith Masters had the “honour and privilege” of taking over the role of Secretary which became Chief Executive on Incorporation in November 2000.
The Association has grown into a moderate business employing almost 20 members of staff providing football for leagues, clubs, players, referees and anyone that wants to be involved or just loves the game.
Read more about this topic: Kent County Football Association
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