About the DFDS Kent Senior Cup

The Kent Senior Cup has been at the heart of competitive football in Kent throughout the years, and its identity has evolved with the game's development, as reflected by the fact that the format of the competition has changed several times over its 133-year history. The first-ever round of the Kent Senior Cup occurred in 1888 at the Sun Hotel in Chatham.  The Kent Senior Cup didn't occur from 1914 to 1918 because of the First World War. Until recently, there's only ever been one other season when the Kent Senior Cup has not been competed for, and that was in 1941, but the Covid-19 outbreak saw the competition put on hold for the 2019-20 season.

The competition's unique history means the Blue Ribbon of Kent football has been bestowed on various clubs over the years, not to mention giving bragging rights to the winner over all their county rivals. Maidstone United won the Kent Senior Cup more than any other team. They defeated Ebbsfleet United in last season's final to take their tally of lifting the cup to an outstanding total of 19 occasions. Meanwhile, Northfleet United, better known today as Ebbsfleet United, achieved five successive victories in the 1920s.

The competition has welcomed well-established teams from all over the county, including Woolwich Arsenal (better known nowadays as Arsenal FC), Charlton Athletic and Gillingham FC.

Teams entering in season 2024-25 are:

•            Ashford United
•            Beckenham Town
•            Bromley
•            Chatham Town
•            Cray Valley
•            Cray Wanderers
•            Dartford 
•            Deal Town
•            Dover Athletic
•            Ebbsfleet United
•            Erith Town
•            Folkestone Invicta
•            Gillingham
•            Herne Bay
•            Hythe Town
•            Maidstone United
•            Margate 
•            Phoenix Sports 
•            Ramsgate
•            Sevenoaks Town
•            Sheppey United
•            Sittingbourne
•            Tonbridge Angels
•            Welling United

Competition rules

Download the Rules of the DFDS Kent FA Senior Cup 2024/25 here.