Ashford United F.C.

Ashford United F.C. is a football club in Kingsnorth, a village near Ashford in Kent. The club plays in the Isthmian League South East Division after winning promotion in 2017. Its home ground is The Green Box Stadium, which has a synthetic 3G pitch. The club was formed in 2011, reviving the name of the original Ashford United that played from 1891 to 1907. Before that, Ashford had other clubs like Ashford Railway Works FC and Ashford Town F.C. The current club relies on volunteers and supporter contributions. The club’s history goes back to 1881 with South Eastern Rangers, who reached four Kent county finals but lost each time. In 1891, the club became Ashford United after merging with Kentish Express FC. The new team played at the Victoria Ground behind the Victoria Hotel, wearing white shirts with a blue Maltese Cross. Their first match drew about 700 people, and the club later won the Kent Cup in 1893. Ashford United also faced big defeats, including a 12–0 loss to Woolwich Arsenal in 1893. The club moved to Godinton Road in 1898 but returned to Newtown in 1903. Ashford United played in the Kent League and South Eastern League, often finishing mid-table. The team wore blue and white stripes in the early 1900s and reached FA Cup qualifiers. Today, the club continues the tradition in Kingsnorth, with a modern stadium and a place in non-league football. The Green Box Stadium stands where the railway arches meet Willesborough Road.