Colin Boswell: The Kent Football family has lost a true Kent Football legend

The Kent football family are mourning this morning with the news that Kent Football Association president Colin Boswell has sadly passed away after losing his battle with cancer.

Mr Boswell founded the Kent Youth League back in 1981 and stepped down as chief executive in 2003.

Current chief executive Ken Brooke paid tribute this morning.

“It is with much sadness that I have to report that Colin Boswell, our life president and president of the Kent FA sadly passed away overnight after a short battle with cancer.

“A true legend of Kent football who will be sadly missed – RIP my friend.”

A Kent Football Association statement added: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you that our long-time president Colin Boswell has sadly passed away.

“Colin was a gentleman who had time for everyone he met, he was extremely passionate about Kent Football and in particular the Kent Youth League – a League he set up in 1981.

“As a former Kent FA vice-chairman, director and divisional secretary, Colin played a significant role in supporting football clubs and league’s across the county and his achievements were recognised through him being a recipient of the Kent FA Long Service award and the FA 50 Year Long Service award.

“Colin took great pleasure in travelling around Kent watching as much football as he could and his presence at Kent’s football grounds will be greatly missed by all.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and her family at this difficult time.  Rest in Peace Colin.”

Kent FA chairman Phillip Smith added: “Colin was a great friend as well as colleague and a great supporter of Kent football. RIP my friend.”

Gavin Hoare, the chairman of the Kent County League, said: “Colin was a football giant in the county – a personal friend – and my mentor.  We send our condolences to all family and friends.

“What Colin has gone for grassroots football will be very hard to surpass. There will be many very well-deserved tributes being paid and we at the Kent County League all feel the loss and send our best wishes to Colin’s family at this most difficult of times.

“On a personal note I owe Colin a great deal and will always be grateful for all the lessons he taught me in my journey up through my career as a referee and administrator. 

“He was a good friend to myself and my family and I am where I am today in the main because of him.

“Knowing Colin as I did, rest in peace does not seem something Colin would do and I am sure wherever he is now, he will be administering it.

“Colin, my friend and mentor, thank you, admin in peace, thank you.”

Chatham Town chairman Kevin Hake said: “Will never forget all the great advice you gave me over the years.  A true legend of Kent football and I will miss our regular chats in the boardroom.  My thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family at this difficult time. RIP Colin.”

A Cray Valley statement added: “We are saddened to hear of he passing of Colin Boswell, a stalwart of football in Kent.  Our condolences go to his wife Sheila and all of his family and friends.”

Glebe chairman Rocky McMillan said: “Very sad news.  Colin was there from day one for us. It was always special when Colin chose Foxbury for his Sunday football. Sincere condolences to Sheila and family at their loss.  RIP.”

Phoenix Sports added: “All at Phoenix Sports are sad to hear the news that Colin Boswell has passed away.  He was a legend in Kent Football and we all thank him for his contribution to the game.”

Sheppey United chairman Matthew Smith said: “Too many times the word legend it 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.”

A Sittingbourne statement said: “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.”

Richard Styles, the current manager of Tunbridge Wells, added: “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.”