Kitson steps down as Arlesey Town chairman, in pursuit of football director role in Berkshire
Reading FC legend Dave Kitson has stepped down as chairman of Arlesey Town Football Club – and is actively looking to become a chairman or director of a Berkshire-based club.
Kitson made his name as a striker with Cambridge United and then Reading, and is still the all time leading goalscorer at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Prior to signing for Cambridge United, Kitson played for Arlesey Town and finished his playing career with the Step 5 club in 2015. He finished as Arlesey’s top scorer in 2000 and 2001 and went on to become chairman of the club in 2021.
But, after setting up his new football academy – The Dave Kitson Academy – in the Reading area, Kitson has made the decision to step down as Arlesey chairman to focus on the academy.
Kitson, who is currently coaching the Reading Blue Coat School football team in what is the most successful season in the school’s history, has also been visiting schools to give talks on mental health, resilience and mindset.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as chairman of Arlesey Town Football Club,” said Kitson. “In the two years since I took on the role, the committee and I have achieved some incredible things together.
“When I became chairman in 2021 the club had no youth teams. Today, Arlesey has a fully fledged youth operation with more than 15 girls and boys EJA teams playing across Beds and Herts, with our players regularey signed by professional clubs.
“The clubhouse, which was 20 years tired and in desperate need of modernisation, has been brought up to modern standards and is now the envy of every other club far beyond the step 5 level at which we play. Loanees have been repaid and the club is now in a cash positive positon.
“The club is also well down the track to installing new floodlights and a brand new £1m 4G pitch that will provide a self perpetuating revenue base for the club.
“Unfortunately, Arlesey has become a journey too far in recent months given my affiliation to Reading and that my life has been, and will remain, in Berkshire for the foreseeable future.
“It goes without saying that I wish the club where I started my career every success for the future, and I will always be here to offer any help and guidance.
“Moving forward I will be looking for more local opportunities as either chairman, director of football or board member for a semi-professional club in the Berkshire area.”