Oliver James Kensdale, born 20 April 2000, is an English footballer. He plays as a centre-back or central midfielder for Boreham Wood.
Career Born in Colchester, Kensdale joined the Development Centre at hometown club Colchester United at age seven. He enrolled in the club's Academy two years later. A former pupil at Colchester's St Benedict's Catholic College, he signed on as a scholar at the club in July 2016.
Kensdale joined Isthmian League, North Division side Maldon & Tiptree for his first game. He made his club debut on 30 September 2017 in the Jammers' 4–2 win against Tilbury. He made four league appearances and two appearances in the FA Trophy for the club. He played a three more games for the club on loan in March 2018.
At the end of his scholarship, Kensdale was offered a professional contract with Colchester in May 2018.
Kensdale rejoined Maldon & Tiptree in a third loan spell early in the 2018–19 season. He scored his first goal in senior football in his final appearance for the Jammers, a 3–2 win at Dereham Town on 10 November 2018, scoring twice.
On 13 November 2018, Kensdale made his first-team debut in Colchester's EFL Trophy game against Cambridge United. He then started in Colchester's League Two 1–1 draw with Exeter City at the Colchester Community Stadium on 24 November 2018.
After becoming the first Colchester United player born after 2000, Kensdale signed his first professional contract on 24 December 2018, committing until summer 2021.
On 11 October 2019, Kensdale joined National League South side Bath City in a month-long loan deal. He made his debut on 12 October 2019 in Bath's 1–1 home draw with Maidstone United.
In October 2020, Kensdale joined National League South side Braintree Town, where he made his debut in their 1–0 defeat at Chippenham Town.
Colchester announced that Kensdale was one of seven under-23 players who had their contract terminated by mutual consent on 1 February 2021.
On 14 February 2021, Kensdale joined National League South side Concord Rangers.
On 31 December 2021, Kensdale joined National League side Southend United for an undisclosed fee.
On 20 September 2024, it was announced that Southend United had terminated Kensdale's contract with no further comments to be made. He scored twice in 110 appearances for the Shrimpers.
On 2 November 2024, Kensdale joined National League South side Eastbourne Borough, making 35 appearances as they made the division's playoffs.
On 23 May 2025, Kensdale agreed to join newly promoted League Two side Barnet on a two-year deal.
On 9 January 2026, Kensdale signed for National League side Boreham Wood.
Style of play Kensdale operates as either a centre-back or central midfielder. Prior to his scholarship, he refined himself into a commanding centre-back and as a leader of the defensive line.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsColchester United2017–18League Two00000000002018–19League Two20000010302019–20League Two10000010202020–21League Two0000001010Total3000003060Maldon & Tiptree (loan)2017–18Isthmian League North Division7000–20902018–19Isthmian League North Division6210–0072Total13210–20162Bath City (loan)2019–20National League South5000–0050Braintree Town (loan)2020–21National League South2000–0020Concord Rangers2020–21National League South1000–00102021–22National League South13020–00150Total140200000160Southend United2021–22National League15000–101602022–23National League45110–304912023–24National League40110–104212024–25National League3000–0030Total10322000501102Eastbourne Borough2024–25National League South32000–30350Barnet2025–26 League Two60001030100Career total178450101601994
Honours Individual National League South Team of the Season: 2024–25
References