# Kurt Willoughby

Kurt Willoughby (born 15 July 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for National League North club Chester, on loan from National League club Oldham Athletic.

## 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.

## 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

    As of match played 17 November 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | National cup | National cup | League Cup | League Cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| AFC Blackpool | 2014–15 | NWCFL Premier Division | ? | 9 | ? | 0 | ? | 0 | ? | 0 | ? | 9 |
| AFC Blackpool | 2015–16 | NWCFL Premier Division | ? | 8 | ? | 1 | ? | 1 | ? | 1 | ? | 11 |
| AFC Blackpool | Total | Total | ? | 17 | ? | 1 | ? | 1 | ? | 1 | ? | 20 |
| Clitheroe | 2015–16 | NPL Division One North | 17 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 |
| Clitheroe | 2016–17 | NPL Division One North | 34 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 43 | 20 |
| Clitheroe | 2017–18 | NPL Division One North | 42 | 26 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 50 | 31 |
| Clitheroe | Total | Total | 93 | 42 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 111 | 54 |
| FC United of Manchester | 2018–19 | National League North | 39 | 18 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 2 | 1 | 43 | 20 |
| AFC Fylde | 2019–20 | National League | 19 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 22 | 2 |
| AFC Fylde | 2020–21 | National League North | 10 | 1 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 2 | 1 | 15 | 3 |
| AFC Fylde | Total | Total | 29 | 3 | 4 | 1 | — | — | 4 | 1 | 37 | 5 |
| York City (loan) | 2019–20 | National League North | 4 | 3 | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| York City | 2021–22 | National League North | 41 | 7 | 4 | 3 | — | — | 8 | 1 | 53 | 11 |
| York City | Total | Total | 45 | 10 | 4 | 3 | — | — | 8 | 1 | 57 | 14 |
| Chester | 2022–23 | National League North | 44 | 20 | 5 | 5 | — | — | 3 | 2 | 52 | 27 |
| Oldham Athletic | 2023–24 | National League | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 1 | 17 | 1 |
| Ayr United (loan) | 2023–24 | Scottish Championship | 12 | 3 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 13 | 3 |
| Chester (loan) | 2024–25 | National League North | 15 | 2 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | 20 | 2 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 292 | 98 | 22 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 29 | 15 | 350 | 126 |
* ↑ Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup
* ↑ Appearance(s) in Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy
* ↑ Two appearances and one goal in FA Trophy, four appearances and three goals in Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy
* ↑ One appearance in FA Trophy, one appearance and one goal in Manchester Premier Cup
* 1 2 3 4 Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
* ↑ Six appearances and one goal in FA Trophy, two appearances in National League North play-offs
* ↑ Two appearances and two goals in FA Trophy, one appearance in National League North play-offs