Relegated Isthmian League club 8th tier club issue a statement announcing the tough decision to fold after 110 years.
This comes following a change in ownership of their ground, and after failing to get a new lease, it has left them homeless and unable to continue playing beyond the end of this season.
Vickers, Crayford & Dartford Athletic Football Club sit 20th in the Isthmian League – South East Division with 32 points from 40 games played.
Daniel Francis MP for Bexleyheath & Crayford posted: “I am devastated to read this news regarding VCD Athletic F.C official.
“In recent weeks, I’ve tried to broker a meeting between both parties. To date, the landlord has not accepted my invite to meet to explore options.
“I’ll continue to press for the meeting, in order to save the club and this important part of Crayford’s history.”
CLUB STATEMENT: pic.twitter.com/fRrCmA8isx
— VCD Athletic Football Club (@vcd_club) April 16, 2026
CLUB STATEMENT:
“It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that VCD Athletic Football Club announces that, as of 17th May 2026, the club will cease operations.
“This decision has not been made lightly. Following the change in ownership of our ground, we have not been offered a new lease to remain at our historic home on Old Road. Despite sustained and genuine efforts by the club to engage in meaningful discussions and to find a way forward, regrettably, opportunities to enter into negotiations have not materialised.
“VCD Athletic has proudly been part of the Old Road community since 1916. For over a century, the club has been more than just a football team – it has been a cornerstone of local identity, bringing together players, supporters, volunteers, and generations of families who have shared in its history, spirit, and achievements.
“To reach this point, where we must accept that the continuation of the club is no longer viable, is deeply painful. However, in the absence of a lease and with no alternative resolution available, we are left with no option but to acknowledge that this outcome is now inevitable.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported CD Athletic throughout its long and proud history. Your loyalty, dedication, and passion have been the lifeblood of this club.
“As we bring this chapter to a close, we do so with immense pride in what has been built since 1916, and with sincere appreciation for all those who have been part of our journey.
“Mr Gary Rump (Club Chairman, VCD Athletic Sports Club)”
So sad. Days like this will never happen again. pic.twitter.com/wDhJF0hW8l
— Michael Brownie (@MichaelGBrownie) April 16, 2026
Here’s how social media users reacted as the relegated 8th tier club issue a statement announcing the decision to fold after 110 years…
@kethmcm1: Gutted for everyone involved in the club. I have been at the club as a young boy and managed there for 12 years in all capacities. I’m gutted for Gary who has taken the club to another level and all the previous chairmen and of course Fordy 💔
@Tonyrussell78: Surely something can be done 😩 spent 2 & a half years at that wonderful football club. Some of the best people I have met in the game. Sad day for the game..
@ProvanTony: Very very sad news to be reading this evening 😔 @Stephen32219094 kept that pitch a fantastic standard and I feel sorry for a lot of my friends associated with the club 😢
@Not_Quite_Pro: A massive piece of South East London history dies with this, all the way back to the Vickers munitions factories for WW1 (Vickers Crayford Dartford = VCD). Who are the new owners? Propert developers maybe? Is there no chance of a groundshare, for example with Phoenix?
@verrillo_jenny: This is devastating news. I have been lucky enough to have been involved in the club for a few years. I have been welcomed into the ‘family’ and enjoyed my time with everyone from Directors, groundsman, team, the burger bar, club house, supporters and other volunteers 💚🤍💚
@Croydon_FC: Sad to hear that a team that’s more than 100 years old with so much history will be no more after 17 May. Have seen many games over the years between @vcd_club and @Croydon_FC in the old Kent League, the FA Cup and the Kent Senior Trophy.
@DaveFone1: This club has been a huge part of the local community, as well as WESFA Football.There has been some great moments there, alongside some even better people. A big thank you to Gary, Danny &everyone who has been involved over the years. Special memories that won’t be forgotten.
@chrisjohns10: An extremely sad day for non league football, a club full of history, community and brilliant people, anyone who’s ever had any involvement with the club will tell you the same, the support they gave me when I broke my leg will never be forgotten, I hope this can be sorted 🙏🏻
Growing list of non league clubs folding and resigning amid tough times during 2025/26 season
@dazza7370: Devastating news…. for over 20 years VCD has been good to lots of people and the people of VCD have all been so friendly and helpful in regards to football or parties to celebrate birthdays. I wish everyone all the very best and thank you
@hipstahistorian: Bloody hell, I’m a Wings fan but I don’t want to see a local club fold. What’s wrong with them? Can’t another club share the lease with you? Cray Valley PM are a small club, can’t they share the ground?
@damohopo: Devastating, that. So many great memories here. A special club, that means so much to many!
@NJONES1969: This is so sad to see, with Phoenix just around the corner, you had 2 great clubs for local people to go to. Best wishes to everyone at the club, I hope a solution can be found
@Newparkfc: Who owns the ground? Surely there can be a compromise, this is history at stake here and a great local club
@MarkDoigFC: This is desperately sad news. I am devastated for all of the great people at the club now and previously. Is there no way of saving VCD with a ground share or something else?
@tonyh1265: Absolutely devastating news. A local club very close to my heart. First team i ever played for as a kid, first team i ever coached against and 4 generations of my family worked at vickers. End of an era for the community… you will be missed 😢
