CLUB HISTORY
Tribute to Reg Spicer
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Many of you will remember our former Chairman, Reg Spicer, who sadly lost his battle with leukaemia in December 2023. Though he is no longer with us, Reg’s spirit remains deeply woven into the fabric of Tonbridge Junior Football Club (TJFC), and we remember him with immense gratitude and affection.
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Reg’s contribution to TJFC was nothing short of extraordinary. Serving as Chairman and Treasurer for over 30 years, he devoted his time, passion, and unwavering commitment to creating footballing opportunities for children in our community.
In the late 1990s, as the club expanded with the introduction of mini soccer, Reg played a pivotal role in securing better facilities. At the time, matches were scattered across multiple venues. Determined to bring football back to Tonbridge, Reg — alongside Brian Tippett — approached the Tonbridge Sports Association. Their persistence paid off, and the club was eventually granted a quarter of the Sportsground, marking the start of a transformative era.
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The facilities then were basic — little more than dilapidated huts and a steel container serving as changing rooms, storage, and hospitality. But Reg had a bold vision for more. In the early 2000s, he led the club’s ambitious project to build a proper pavilion. He tirelessly pursued FA and council grants, galvanised community support, secured donations — and, in a remarkable act of commitment, remortgaged his own home to help finance the build. His selflessness and belief in the club’s future remain an inspiration.
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Under Reg’s leadership, TJFC achieved the FA Charter Standard Community Club Award, becoming the first grassroots club in the area — and third in Kent — to receive this prestigious recognition for excellence in youth football.
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By the club’s 10th anniversary in 2002/03, TJFC had grown to 20 teams, from Under 7s to Under 14s, primarily in mini soccer. Between 2005 and 2010, Reg championed the introduction of girls’ teams, which quickly found success, winning multiple honours in the Kent Girls League.
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But more than silverware, Reg valued sportsmanship, inclusion, and opportunity. Under his guidance, TJFC became known for its fair play and community spirit — winning more sportsmanship awards than league titles, a true reflection of his values.
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One of Reg’s most beloved contributions was the Tonbridge Juniors Fiesta, which grew to become one of the largest youth football tournaments in the country. His unmistakable voice booming across the park became a signature of the summer, welcoming thousands of young players and their families to celebrate the beautiful game together. By 2012, as the club celebrated its 20th anniversary and hosted its 19th Fiesta, Reg’s presence continued to unite and inspire.
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Even after his own children had moved on from the club, Reg remained a constant — giving up his weekends to ensure local children could enjoy organised football in Tonbridge. Thanks to his vision and tireless efforts, the club continued to grow and thrive.
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In September 2023, due to his declining health, Reg made the difficult decision to step down from his roles. Yet even in stepping back, he remained focused on the club’s future. One of his last initiatives was the introduction of KYL (Kent Youth League) teams, a long-term goal that has now been successfully realised, providing more advanced footballing pathways for our players.
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Today, the club Reg helped build proudly supports over 60 teams and 900 young players — a living legacy of his vision and dedication.
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In recognition of his incredible service, it is with great pride that we announce the renaming of our clubhouse to ‘The Reg Spicer Clubhouse’, along with the launch of the Reg Spicer Scholarship — a fund dedicated to supporting families who may be struggling financially, ensuring that no child misses out on the chance to play due to cost. This initiative perfectly embodies Reg’s lifelong commitment to inclusion and opportunity for all.
Reg is deeply missed, but his legacy lives on — in every kick of the ball, every match played, and every child given the chance to fall in love with football because of what he built.
Thank you, Reg.
From all of us — forever in our hearts.
