A true legend of Kent Football and my very great friend Colin Boswell sadly passed away overnight after a short battle against cancer. I was privileged to take over the role of Chief Executive of the Kent Youth League in 2013 from Colin who set up the youth league in 1981. A former football league linesman in the 60s and 70s Colin shared many stories of his games at places like Highbury and of course Crystal Palace where as a youngster I would have seen him without knowing.
I have so many stories to tell as Colin had a great sense of humour and told the daftest jokes which were funny because they were so corny. Colin was also President of the Kent FA and had served the County for over 50 years.
Many of you know my passion for football and this man exceeded even my commitments to the greatest game – and he gave me a route into football admin that I swore I would never go down! That’s how good he was in persuading me and he has taught me everything I know about running a league.
Even though I have been in charge of the league for a while he was always at the end of the phone and I will so badly miss our chats.
He gave me the opportunity to manage the Kent FA Representative teams and helped me achieve my greatest moment in capturing the FA County Youth Cup for Kent in 2010 the one and only time in 76 years – he was a massive part of this success.
Sheila Boswell his wife has been my surrogate Mum since we first met – some of my best moments were when Sheila told Colin off – but behind every great man is a great woman and Sheila my thoughts and prayers are for you and your boys and your grandchildren.
I have a massive hole in my football world which will be impossible to feel – take a look at our league twitter #kentyouthleague to see the tributes to Colin. It says it all really and to my friend – thank you – I will miss you greatly – and I will continue to remember all the bits of advice that you gave me.
May you Rest In Peace and so pleased you are out of pain – so long my friend and so sorry the dreaded virus stopped me from seeing you at the end – always remembered and never forgotten.
Ken Brooke
A sad moment , BromleyFootballClub will always remember Colin especially at the County finals where is support for the KYL teams in such a prestigious competition we value and played in many finals over the years. He will be sadly missed and our prayers to Mrs Boswell who was always on hand . A great legendary double act that is and will always be remembered that made KYL the best of the best .
Rest in peace
BromleyFootballClub