Kurt Henry Willoughby (born 15 July 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Buxton.
Club career
Early career Willoughby began his youth career in 2012 with Fleetwood Town. During the 2013–14 season, he joined Northern Premier League Division One North club Radcliffe Borough on a work experience loan.
After leaving Fleetwood, he had spells with Padiham, AFC Blackpool and Clitheroe, before stepping up two levels to sign for National League North club FC United of Manchester in May 2018.
AFC Fylde On 3 June 2019, despite FC United's relegation, Willoughby stepped up another level to join National League club AFC Fylde. He joined National League North club York City on a one-month loan in January 2020. He was released by manager Jim Bentley in May 2021, at the end of his contract.
During his time with AFC Fylde, Willoughby attracted interest from multiple Football League clubs, including Bolton Wanderers, but a move never materialised.
York City In June 2021, Willoughby rejoined York City permanently after being released by AFC Fylde. Despite earning promotion to the National League after winning the play-offs, he was released by York at the end of his contract in May.
Chester On 13 June 2022, Willoughby signed a one-year deal with National League North club Chester.
Oldham Athletic On 7 June 2023, Willoughby joined National League club Oldham Athletic, signing a two-year deal. On 1 February 2024, he joined Scottish Championship club Ayr United on loan until the end of the season. In July 2024, he rejoined former club Chester on a season-long loan.
Kidderminster Harriers On 10 July 2025, Willoughby joined National League North side Kidderminster Harriers.
International career In October 2018, while at FC United, Willoughby was called up to the England C squad, and featured as a substitute in a 1–0 win against Estonia under-23.
In March 2019, he was called up once again and started against Wales C, scoring the second goal in a 2–2 draw.
His final appearance for England C came three months later in June 2019, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 defeat against Estonia under-23.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAFC Blackpool2014–15NWCFL Premier Division?9?0?0?0?92015–16NWCFL Premier Division?8?1?1?1?11Total?17?1?1?1?20Clitheroe2015–16NPL Division One North1730010001832016–17NPL Division One North341310523543202017–18NPL Division One North42261110645031Total934221729911154FC United of Manchester2018–19National League North391821—214320AFC Fylde2019–20National League19210—202222020–21FA Cup second qualifying round v Hyde United (A), 3 October 2020: FA Cup third qualifying round v Farsley Celtic (A), 13 October 2020: National League North10131—21153Total29341—41375York City (loan)2019–20National League North43——0043York City2021–22FA Cup second qualifying round v Hebburn Town (H), 18 September 2021: National League North41743—815311Total451043—815714Chester2022–23National League North442055—325227Oldham Athletic2023–24National League15000—21171Ayr United (loan)2023–24Scottish Championship12310——133Chester (loan)2024–25National League North39640—40476Career total3161022211723215377130
References