Deal Town

Formed in the early 1900s as Deal Cinque Ports FC, the club became Deal Town FC in 1920. After moves through several regional leagues, Deal settled in the Kent League from 1971/72, winning the title in 53/54 and 99/00, plus Kent League Cup wins in 57/58, 81/82 and 98/99.

1997 proved pivotal: new Chairman Roy Smith and manager Tommy Sampson led Deal to their best-ever season in 98/99, becoming the first Kent club to win the FA Vase — beating Chippenham Town 1-0 at Wembley in front of 20,083 fans. Several manager changes followed over the next two decades, with Derek Hares serving the longest spell (2003–2013).

After years in the bottom half, 15/16 marked a turning point with a 9th-place finish. Steady progress continued through the 2010s, interrupted twice by Covid. A women’s team launched in 21/22, followed by a reintroduced reserve side and U18s in 22/23, with the reserves completing a cup double.

23/24 was a landmark season: Deal won the SCEFL title, beating Lydd Town 3-1, reached the FA Vase quarter-finals, and broke home attendance records three times, peaking at 1,598 fans. In 2024/25, Deal Town returned to Step 4 of the National League System for the first time since 1963.