Wiltshire FA has been saddened to learn of the passing on Dennis Kilford, a long-standing Wiltshire FA member, who has died aged 89 following a short illness.

Dennis’ involvement in football across our county was extensive, having played in a successful Swindon Victoria side in addition to the Wiltshire senior county team. In 1976, Dennis became a member of the very first Wiltshire League management committee, following the league’s formation. He would go on to become Vice Chair of the league in 1983, Chair in 1991 and President in 2006; the latter position being one he held for 10 years. In 2000, Dennis became a Life Member of the Wiltshire League.

In 1979, Dennis was elected to the Wiltshire County FA Board of Directors, becoming Life Vice President in 1999. An active member of the Association, for many years Dennis organised the county’s Injured Players Fund, and was instrumental in establishing the Wiltshire County FA Benevolent Fund.

Dennis was a well-respected member of our Discipline Committee, and a huge supporter of our county representative teams. That support would see him travel to many counties across England to assist the county youth team in the FA County Youth Cup.

Dennis will also be remembered by neighbouring counties, as he would be a frequent face at many of Wiltshire’s county games in the S&SW Counties competitions.

In addition to his love of football, Dennis enjoyed many other sports, and was a particularly keen golfer. As a member of Somerset County Cricket Club, he would often stay at Taunton or Weston-Super-Mare to watch Somerset play home games in both the County Championship and one-day competitions.

Throughout his life, Dennis made a significant contribution to football in our county, and he will be sadly missed.

Everybody associated with Wiltshire FA sends our thoughts and condolences to Dennis’ family and friends at this difficult time.

Dennis’ funeral will be at Kingsdown Crematorium, Swindon (SN25 6SG) at 10.30am on Wednesday 17 January 2024.