The non league community have been left saddened as a club resigns from the Southern Counties East League as the senior team folds.
Dartford-based Kent Football United, of SCEL Division 1, formed in 2010. But now they will now be leaving the league with immediate effect having picked up just one point from their first four league fixtures this season.
All assets are up for sale with the option of buying the club in it’s entirety while the ground will continue to be used for Kent Football United Youth at this time.
View this post on Instagram
In a statement, joint-owner Sam MacNeil said: “Dear SCEFL board, we are writing to you this evening with the regret and heavy heart of having to withdraw Kent Football United from the SCEFL League with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately due to personal and professional circumstances, we are now unable to sustainably run the club at The Efes Stadium and the assets of the club are being put up for sale.
“As you may or may not know, I have recently taken up a head coach position with Ebbsfleet United with our entire female section moving across. This has removed 95% of our volunteer base from the club which includes myself.
“In addition, with me having started a family in the last four months my time available to support on a Saturday is now less than minimal. This leaves my dad [Roy MacNeil] on his own which is an untenable situation to conduct football at this level.
“We are immensely proud of our club’s progress in the last seven seasons and feel we have come such a long way with no support of grant funding or external capital loans. We have achieved everything we set out to and, with that, hold no regrets for the journey we have been on.
“There are ups and downs in this game as a football ground landlord and it certainly isn’t smooth running. However, building a ground to the grade we have and playing in the FA Vase will remain fond memories and achievements for the rest of our lives.
“May I take this opportunity on behalf of both of us to thank the SCEFL board for their support during our tenure with the league. Without the assistance of volunteers such as yourselves, the platform to play football wouldn’t exist and for that we thank you immensely. We wish you all the very best in your personal and professional futures.
“To the clubs in the league we have had the pleasure of hosting and visiting, thank you for your support and being a part of this journey with us. We hope you go on to achieve all your goals and aspirations for many seasons to come.
“Finally, we would like to thank all of the management and players past to present who have represented our club. Your dedication and service allowed us to compete at this level for the past ten seasons.
“Kent Football United are now open to offers for the assets at the football club or the club in its entirety. Any enquiries should be sent to s.macneil.kfu@gmail.com.”
Club Statement ✍️ pic.twitter.com/jaf6maWqyB
— Kent Football United SCEFL (@KFUSCEFL) August 23, 2022
As mentioned, the non league community have been saddened as the club resigns from their league and the senior team folds…
@MarkHay62472928: People don’t realise what it takes to run a club at this level especially if you own/lease the ground, keeping it maintained etc takes peoples time and money, shame to see a club fold, maybe a club will see this as an opportunity and carry on what you started 👍
@payno268: Shame to see another club go but .. Surely would of known about this in the summer so another club could take their place in the league and Fa vase etc 🤷🏼♂️ 3 weeks into the season does no one any favours
@Cliffuk: Very sad news and as an @AFCWhyteleafe fan can empathise with you after what happened to the original Leafe. Hope you bounce back soon too. Only good news is Croydon FC’s only win this season will be expunged. Oh boy I’m going to be popular locally!! COYL💚💚
@trevk37: Sad to see that happen
@APCAFC: Very sad news. Was looking forward to visiting on Saturday.
@PehaugheyPaul: Sad news
@StevePerry81: Shame to see. Should keep a mens team in some capacity for the youth section to aspire too. Does the ground make up part of the assets available for sale?
@MikeyTheTowner: Sorry to read this as I saw the hard work that had gone into improving the ground on my few visits.
@levvj1: All the best Sam, take care and regards
@TOTTBlog21: Shame to see another local side resigning from the league, hope whoever buys the land will keep it as a football ground.
@Croydon_FC: Sorry to hear the news. Very sad to lose a football club, but happy to hear that the Kent Football United name will carry on at youth level. Best wishes from @Croydon_FC.
@GroundHoppersFC: Never good to see! Sorry to hear this! Good luck in your future endeavours, and be proud of what was achieved while it lasted! 💛💙 #FootballFamily
@FElmstead: All the best from all at Elmstead. We’ve had our battles along the way. Hopefully in time you may find a way back. Always sad to see a senior team fold
@SCThamesmeadFC: Everyone at SC Thamesmead FC are sorry to read this. It’s always sad to lose a club, but especially one that we’ve formed a real friendship with over the years. All the very best to Roy, Sam and all at the club.
@glebefootball: Sam & Roy – just to wish you success in new ventures. The volunteer base is dwindling and I know the many hundreds of hours you have put into KFU. Hold your heads high lads.
Gutted, enjoyed playing football here working with a manager that gave me an opportunity to play regular and showcase myself @enniogonnella
Time to look for a new club. @SCEFLeague https://t.co/PLeYf5QPI4
— Cal (@CalEdwards24) August 24, 2022
You must be logged in to post a comment Login