Bearsted Football Club was founded in
1895. We are one of the oldest clubs in the County of
Kent . Some early history of the club can be found in
the book "A history of Bearsted and Thurnham".
The club was reformed after the Second World War and
continued its participation in the Maidstone and District
Saturday Football League running first and reserve sides.
It was in the mid 1970's that the Club emerged as one
of the leading local Maidstone teams. After applying
to join the Maidstone League`s Premier Division the
Club finished runners up for three consecutive seasons
and then champions for three successive seasons.
At
the same time the youth section of the Club started
when we took under our wing a young boys club, Bearsted
Hornets, who ran U12 and U14 sides.
In 1982 the Club was elected into the Kent County League.
Since then the Club has won almost every league and cup
competition run by that League.
The Club celebrated its Centenary in 1995 , the occasion
being marked by a Dinner at the Great Danes Hotel. Commemorative
Certificates were presented by both the Football Association
and the Kent County Football Association. The toast
to the Club was made by Bob "The Cat" Bevan
the well known football raconteur.
For its first 100 years the Club played on the Green
at Bearsted. However the higher standard of football
in which the Club plays requires better facilities.
So in 1998/9 we moved to our present ground at Otham.
Since then the Club has invested heavily in improving
the excellent facilities there.
The peak of the Club`s achievements have been:
In the 1999/00 season we reached the semi final of
the Kent Senior Cup (defeating three Kent League sides
on the way) before losing to Deal Town who later went
on to Wembley to win the FA Vase.
In the same season the Times reported on our League
achievement in going unbeaten until the first weekend
in May.
In the season 2002/3 the Kent County League represented
England in a EUFA tournament , its representative side
being managed by Bearsted's first team manager and coach
and with 5 Bearsted players representing England. The
Club is very proud of the individuals who have represented
their country.