Staplehurst Monarchs

Staplehurst Monarchs, Jubilee Sports Ground, Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0DS

Take A229 south out of Maidstone. Follow for approx 9 miles. Ground is signposted at main traffic lights. Turn left and ground is approx half mile on the left.

Football in Staplehurst dates back to 1893, when Iden Rovers became founder members of the Maidstone & District League. The club competed in the league for over a century, with one of its greatest achievements coming during its centenary year in 1993 when both the First Team and Reserves completed historic League and Cup doubles.

Seeking to climb the football pyramid, the club joined the Kent County League in 2001 and spent several years groundsharing while working towards improved facilities. Promotion through the divisions followed before a return to Staplehurst in 2009 with the opening of the new Jubilee Field Pavilion. Around the same time, the club merged with its thriving junior section to become Staplehurst Monarchs United, creating a clear pathway from youth football into the senior game.

The Monarchs were crowned Kent County League Premier Division Champions in 2018/19, but frustration followed as ground grading regulations denied promotion to the Southern Counties East Football League. Two further Covid-19 interrupted seasons delayed the club’s ambitions once again before FA restructuring finally secured promotion to the SCEFL First Division in 2021.

Since joining Step 6, Staplehurst has established itself as a competitive side, finishing 17th in its debut campaign before improving to 13th, ninth and eighth over the following three seasons. The club has also become a regular competitor in both the FA Vase and Kent Senior Trophy, reflecting its continued progress on and off the pitch.

Ian Docker remains in charge for the 2026/27 campaign as the Monarchs continue their steady rise and look to push towards the First Division’s promotion places.