Ashford FC become ‘Ramsgate Athletic’
Ashford FC have changed name and changed home ground, becoming part of the Ramsgate FC family with the new title of Ramsgate Athletic.
The Kent County League Premier Division side have changed their home venue from Hythe Town’s Reachfields Stadium to Ramsgate’s Southwood Stadium ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
A club statement siad;
“As from season 2024/25 Ashford FC has agreed a ground share agreement with Ramsgate fc and all home games and training will be on the new 4g artificial pitch at Ramsgate.
This is a significant achievement for the club especially with the all weather advantages of an artificial surface which will pay immense dividends in forthcoming future fixtures.
A name change of the club to RAMSGATE ATHLETIC was sought for the 2024/25 season in order to galvanize the public support from the local Thanet community.
This name change resurrects the original Ramsgate name which was in use up to 1972.”
Ramsgate FC also announced the news via their Social Media Channels;
“Introducing Ramsgate Athletic to the WW Martin Community stadium.
A huge welcome to Steve Rollings and his Managment Team who were formerly known as Ashford FC and play in the Kent County Premier League.
It’s a stated ambition of our club to get more local players into our first team and beyond. FA coach developer and uefa a coach Seb Tidey has recently taken on the role of director of football and this is one of his key long term objectives.
Seb has worked in professional environments where young players are placed in senior football to help accelerate their development.
Steve Rollings stated ambition for being in football is to help young players move up the pyramid and once he became aware that we were seeking a partner to help achieve this same goal things moved very quickly.
The two management teams shared goals of youth development are a great fit and as a result many local youngsters will get the opportunity to show case themselves in front of good crowds, on a 3G surface this season.
Ramsgate Athletic whose nickname is the Steamers will play at the WW Martin Community stadium on Saturday afternoons when the first team are away. The side will be packed with young local talent and it would be great to see Rams fans cheer them on if they are unable to make away trips.”
Ramsgate Athletic open their sixth-match pre-season campaign with a trip to Bocca Juniors on Saturday 6 July, before welcoming Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Lordswood to their new venue on Tuesday 16 July.
The Club have made a number of impressive signing ahead of the Kent County Premier season, including Teddy Nelson, Tyla Clements and Matty Robinson.
Follow Ramsgate Athletic here.