Southern Counties East League Division One

Despite the league in its current name existing since 2013, it is actually the direct successor to the incarnation of the Kent League which was founded in 1966. In 2016, there was a significant merger which saw the SCEFL absorb the Kent Invicta League, which subsequently became the new Division One.

It was a restructure that created a rigorous two-tier system and as a result, Division One was characterised by a mix of historic local sides and ambitious “new” clubs using modern investment and branding with designs on climbing the ladder swiftly.

The league sits at Step 6 below the Southern Counties East Premier Division at Step 5.

Over the years, the division has drawn substantial crowds of between 100 and 250 which are good numbers for this level, though in 2016/17, Rochester United recorded a modern-era high of 807 fans during a crucial league clash.

History and About

During the war (World War II), the league was abandoned completely (Kent League), with this being one of the most affected regional leagues during this period.

Indeed, during 1940 and 1941, organised football was virtually impossible due to the fact that the Battle of Britain was roaring overhead. Many football grounds such as Dover and Folkestone were actually requisitioned by the RAF for anti-aircraft batteries or training camps. Kent’s proximity to the English Channel effectively made it a restricted military zone.

Interestingly, in 1944, following D-Day as the threat of invasion subsided and with the complete annihilation of the Luftwaffe, football returned to the Kent League a lot earlier than some regions. As a result, local “Victory Cups” were played in late 1944 and early 1945 featuring “Service XI” teams that were packed with professional players who were stationed in Kent awaiting deployment or recovering from injury. Because of this, it briefly made some of the county’s local competitions some of the highest standard amateur football divisions in Europe.

There is also somewhat of a debate as to which the oldest club is in the division, with this often featuring Cray Valley Paper Mills; understood to have ties, or be a successor to Cray Wanderers; the oldest in London, dating back to 1860. However, the league has also hosted several “centenary” clubs including Erith & Belvedere (1922) and Snodland Town (1894), preserving a Victorian lineage.

Big Players

Curiously, the league also has a number of alumni; most notably, Alfie May who, before becoming a prolific striker with Chartlon Athletic and Cheltenham Town, honed his craft in the Kent systems with Erith & Belvedere.

Furthermore, several Premier League Assistant Referees began their journey officiating high-intensity SCEL Division One derbies citing that the considerable “vocal” aspect of the league specifically, helped equip them to handle pressure.

In addition, Steve King, who is one of the most successful managers in non-league history, cut his teeth in the Kent systems, proving that the tactical complexity of Division One is a university for future professional managers.