104 years of goals: How history tells us the Kentish Cup will be unmissable tournament
It's the premier tournament in military football and, with 104 years of history, the Kentish Cup has laid down major foundations for the UK Armed Forces and their rivals.
This year's tournament, which is live in full on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel, sees UKAF look to defend their crown against the French and the Dutch.
But why is the Kentish Cup a must-watch for any sports fan?
Expect goals, goals and more goals
One thing that is guaranteed during the tournament is exciting matches, with just 12 out of the 280 recorded matches in history ending in a 0-0 draw.
The last time it was goalless was 12 years ago, when the French and Dutch shared a stalemate in 2013.
The French are the most prolific team in the competition's record books, having scored a staggering 307 goals, more than 30 more than UKAF's current tally of 275.
The Dutch are the lowest scorers with just 104, while Belgium sit second in the list on 280 during their time in the tournament.
The international rivalries
When the tournament became official in 1921, after a successful test at Stamford Bridge in 1919, the British Army represented the UK Armed Forces against the French and Belgian armed forces.
Those rivalries made up a key part of the tournament's prestige, and the tri-nation tournament stayed intact for 66 years, despite a break for the Second World War.
In 1986, the teams changed for the first time as the French pulled out with the Dutch stepping in as replacements.
Twenty years on, the French were back in the fold, and for two years, a change in format saw a four-team knock-out style competition, but after 2007, the Belgians pulled out due to defence cuts and haven't been involved since.
It's led to a real France v UK rivalry for trophy success, with the Dutch going through a number of transitional eras.
UKAF can level tournament wins in 2025
As it stands, the French are the most successful team in Kentish Cup history.
Despite being missing for 20 years, they have lifted the trophy the most times with 28 title triumphs. However, that is under threat in 2025.
Since 2014, UKAF have had a stranglehold on the competition, having won six of the seven tournaments that have been played. They sit on 27 title victories heading into this year's tournament, meaning if they can win again, it will be level at the top.
The Brits are in the midst of their most successful spell in the tournament's history, but will be wary of the French, considering they upset the momentum by winning the Kentish Cup on UK soil in 2022.
International involvement
While international stars may be harder to find in military football in 2025, the Kentish Cup actually has a rich history of being a launching pad for future world beaters.
Three of the biggest names to play in the tournament all went on to have Hall of Fame playing careers.
The UK's biggest name is 1966 World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton, who played in the tournament during his national service days, while the French can boast Ballon d'Or winner Michel Platini as one of their former stars.
The Dutch once fielded a bruising centre-back in their Kentish Cup team, and Jaap Stam went on to have a legendary career at teams such as Manchester United, AC Milan, Lazio, PSV Eindhoven and Ajax.
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