1886–1888: Early Beginnings
Kirkley FC first appeared in December 1886, playing East Suffolk FC at Crown Meadow. After winning a rematch 1–0 and another victory, the two clubs merged to form Lowestoft FC.

1890–1914: Growth and Rivalry
A new Kirkley FC was formed in 1890, playing at St Aubin’s College. The club won the Suffolk Junior Cup in 1893–94 and reached the FA Amateur Cup Semi-Final in 1896–97 but was expelled for fielding an ex-professional. They moved to Kirkley Recreation Ground and became known for their pink and black kit. A proposed merger with Lowestoft Town in 1908 collapsed, and financial issues led to disbanding in 1914.

1919–1935: Reformation and Merger
Kirkley FC reformed in 1919 and rejoined league football in 1920–21. They returned to their iconic pink and black kit in 1924–25 and won the Suffolk Senior Cup. In 1929–30, they merged with Waveney Athletic to become Kirkley & Waveney. The club later became part of Lowestoft Town FC.

1978–2007: Kirkley United FC
In 1978, Brooke Marine became Kirkley United FC, reviving the Kirkley name. The club climbed the Anglian Combination leagues and enjoyed major success in the early 2000s, winning multiple cups and gaining promotion to the Ridgeons Premier Division. In 2007, the club merged with Pakefield Boys to form Kirkley & Pakefield FC.

2009–2011: Progress and Restructuring
2009–10: Achieved a best-ever 4th place finish in the Ridgeons Premier League, with strong FA Cup and FA Vase runs.
2010–11: Jon Reynolds led the First Team; youth and reserve teams expanded.
2011–12: Focus shifted to youth development. The U18s won the Ridgeons Youth League, and the B team earned promotion.
2012–2015: Growth On and Off the Pitch
2012–13: Paul Tong took over as First Team Manager. Jamie Godbold and Andy Reynolds were appointed in 2013. The U18s won the Thurlow Nunn Youth League.
2013–14: A £708,000 3G floodlit pitch was completed, enhancing facilities for all teams.
2014–15: Matched best-ever league finish (4th). Ladies and walking football teams were reformed. Gaven Tipple was appointed First Team Manager.
2015–2020: Competitive Highlights
2015–16: Finished 5th; reached League Cup semi-final and had a strong FA Cup run. Ladies won their league and reached the Suffolk County Cup Final.
2016–17: Mark Willis took over; U18s won all 18 games to become East Division Champions.
2017–18: Despite injuries, the First Team finished 10th. AFC Royals U18s showed resilience.
2019–20: Under Gary McGee, the First Team reached the FA Vase 4th Round—club’s best-ever run. Season ended early due to COVID-19.
2020–2023: Transition and Challenges
2020–21: Jack Herbert became Player-Manager; season halted with the team in 6th.
2021–22: Finished 9th after recovering from injuries; reached Suffolk Premier Cup Semi-Final.
2022–23: Tough season ended in 16th place; Reserves finished 4th.
2023–24: Scott Butler started as First Team Manager, replaced mid-season by Paul Underdown, then Ross Gilfedder. The team finished 19th but avoided relegation. Reserves 8th, U23s 7th, AFC Royals 4th, U18s 9th.
2024–2026: Stability and Youth Focus
2024–25:

First Team: Managed by Ross Gilfedder, finished 14th.
Reserves: Initially led by Simon Cushion and Lee Henwood, taken over mid-season by Matty Lay, finishing 12th.
U23s: First season in Anglian Combination League 4 South, finished 9th (Simon Muirhead).
U18s: Managed by Gary Lansdale and Matthew Hammersley, built a strong squad for the future.
AFC Royals: Crowned league champions under Reece Phipps, finishing 6 points clear with only two losses.
2025–26:

First Team: Ross Gilfedder continued as Player-Manager.
Reserves: Managed by Matty Lay.
U23s: Simon Muirhead remained in charge.
U18s: New leadership under James Nolloth.
AFC Royals: Reece Phipps returned last minute due to management changes.