Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Tributes paid to Kent football legend Colin
A Kent football legend who will be greatly missed.
The death of Colin Boswell on Saturday, following a short battle with cancer, was followed by a mass of tributes from every corner of the county. Mr Boswell, a former Football League match official, was president of the Kent County FA will perhaps be best known for founding the Kent Youth League. He started it with just eight clubs in 1981 and was the chief executive of the league until 2013.
When he stepped down, his 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.” Following his death, the league described him as “a true legend of Kent football who will be sadly missed”.
He lived in Gillingham and was secretary of the Medway Messenger Sunday Football League for four decades before later becoming president of the Rochester & District Football League.
Mr Boswell had been a vice-chairman of the KCFA, a director and a divisional secretary. His achievements were recognised through him being a recipient of the Kent FA long service award and the FA 50-year long service award. A Kent FA tribute said: “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. “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.”
The Southern Counties East Football League said they were “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kent football legend Colin Boswell” and added: “Colin has always been a great help to the league and its clubs. His legacy will long live on.”
Kent County League chairman Gavin Hoare commented: “Colin was a football giant in the county - a personal friend - and my mentor.”
Mr Boswell was nominated as the president of the Kent FA in 2009, 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. Southern Counties East League vice-chairman John Moules said: “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.” Chatham Town chairman Kevin Hake was among those to offer a tribute, saying: “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 boardroom. My thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family at this difficult time.” Sheppey United chairman Matt Smith was one of many to describe him as being a football legend.
He said: “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 club’s thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family. RIP Colin.” Lordswood Football Club tweeted: “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.” Sittingbourne Football Club 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.”