Kent Football loses a Legend
It is with sadness that we share the news that Colin Boswell passed away on Friday after a short battle with cancer.
We send our condolences to his wife Sheila and their family at what is a difficult time. Colin, along with his wife Sheila, have supported the League and our member clubs for many years, offering advice and support wherever they could. They were regular guests at our League Cup Finals, and attended many, many League and Cup games. They were particularly supportive of clubs in the FA Vase and Cup competitions. Colin will be missed by all in the league
Colin was President at the Kent FA, founder of the Kent Youth League and a true legend of Kent football.
He will perhaps be best known for founding the Kent Youth League and when he stepped down as chief exec in 2013, replacement Ken Brooke said: “It takes courage to make brave decisions, it takes courage to want to embrace the changing world of communications, to embrace modern technology, and it takes great skill and patience to build a team that helps you achieve those ambitions. Colin has ticked all those boxes and more.”
Mr Boswell, a former Football League official, started the Kent Youth League with just eight clubs in 1981. He was the chief executive of the league until 2013.
He lived in Gillingham and was secretary of the Medway Messenger Sunday Football League for four decades and president of the Rochester & District Football League.
In 2009 he was nominated as the new president of the Kent County Football Association, succeeding Norman Chatfield. He had been a KCFA member since 1966.
“It’s an honour and great privilege to accept this role,” he said at the time.
Mr Boswell was also secretary of the Medway Towns Sports Council, a role he retired from in 2003 after 29 years. It was the same year that he stepped down as secretary of the Medway Messenger Sunday Football League after 40 years’ service.
Social Media has been the home to many tributes;
Really sad news Colin was a great servant to Kent football at all levels of the game. My thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
— John Moules (@jamstarter2012) May 23, 2020
We are all very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Boswell. He was a good friend to Lordswood and did so much to help us as a club and football in Kent. Our thoughts are with his wife and family 🧡🖤 https://t.co/6YbjRmssvy
— Lordswood Football Club 🧡🖤 (@LordswoodFC) May 23, 2020
On behalf of everyone at the club our thoughts and prayers go out to Colin’s family and friends at this difficult time.A true legend in Kent football and a wonderful servant of the game. RIP Colin you will be sorely missed x https://t.co/PI8mz3c8Mx
— Chatham Town (@ChathamTownFC) May 23, 2020
Our thoughts go out to Colin's family and friends. A great servant to Kent football. RIP Colin from all at Erith Town FC.
— Erith Town FC (@ErithTown) May 23, 2020
Sad news to hear. Colin was a great influence to us in assisting our development alongside Ken in the KYL
— Kent Football United (@kentfootunited) May 23, 2020
Very sad News . Colin was there from Day 1 for us . It was always special when Colin chose ‘Foxbury’ for his Sunday football . Sincere condolences to Sheila and family at their loss RIP.
— Glebe Football Club (@glebefootball) May 23, 2020
Very sad news, worked with and knew my dad really well also, will be a very big loss. Thoughts with his family at this time xxx 🙏🏻
— Richard Styles (@StylesyR) May 23, 2020
That's very sad news. Thoughts are with Sheila and her family at this difficult time. RIP Colin.
— Derek Peck (@DerekPeck2) May 23, 2020
Will never forget all the great advice you gave me over the years mate.A true legend of Kent football and I will miss our regular chats in the https://t.co/t9uKFgrzlC thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family at this difficult time x RIP Colin
— kevinhake (@kevin_hake) May 23, 2020
Too many times the word legend is used, but today the Kent football family has lost a TRUE KENT FOOTBALL LEGEND! I cannot thank Colin enough for all he did for both the senior and the junior clubs, mine and my clubs thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family RIP Colin
— Matthew J Smith (@mjsmith1975) May 23, 2020
All at Phoenix Sports are sad to hear the news that Colin Boswell has passed away.
— Phoenix Sports Club (@phoenixsport82) May 23, 2020
He was a legend in Kent Football and we all thank him for his contribution to the game. ⚽️👏❤
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Colin Boswell, a stalwart of football in Kent.
— Cray Valley PM FC (@CrayValleyPM) May 23, 2020
Our condolences go to his wife Sheila, and all of his family and friends. https://t.co/oe6M6Zr3YJ
Message from league chairman Gavin Hoare.
— Kent County FL News (@KCFL_News) May 23, 2020
“It is with a very heavy heart that I have to announce the passing of @KentFA President Colin Boswell.
“Colin was a football giant in the county – a personal friend – and my mentor.”
We send our condolences to all family and friends.
All at the club were very sorry to hear of the passing of Colin Boswell. Colin was a regular attender at our games. He gave over 55 years service to Kent football. We pass our sincere condolences to his wife Sheila and family.@IsthmianLeague @KentYouthLeague
— Sittingbourne FC (@SittingbourneFC) May 23, 2020
Sad news, thoughts with family and friends.
— Ben Smith (@bensmith88) May 23, 2020
Colin was a great friend as well as colleague and a great supporter of Kent football. RIP my friend. https://t.co/odNbZn5oas
— Philip Smith (@smith_philip) May 23, 2020
Rest In Peace Colin – Your legacy will long live on