A new club will groundshare at Margate next season.

Gate, who have groundshared with Southern Counties East League Division 1 Canterbury City over the past two campaigns, will share their facilities at Hartsdown Park (HDP) with Kent County League Minster from July.

“While the current pathway and management structure at Minster FC will remain unaffected, both clubs share a passion for providing the best and most realistic pathways for youth players in the area entering into senior football,” Gate said in Thursday’s statement.

“This will mean footballing support will be provided both ways across the clubs and opportunities will not remain exclusively to only Margate FC and Minster FC players - all are welcome.

“Away from the pitch, there will also be opportunities for the clubs to collaborate on existing and future community projects.”

Minster chairman Colin Holden said: “We have already had the opportunity of hosting some memorable fixtures at Hartsdown Park in the last 12 months, and we thank Margate FC for understanding our future plans and allowing us to use the excellent facilities at HDP for the next two years.

“We’re also eager to establish stronger footballing links with our new landlords as we continue to offer football opportunities at all levels for all players in Thanet and the surrounding area.

“Lastly from me, a personal thank you to Deny (Wilson, Margate’s general manager) and Dan (Winsbury, Margate’s director) for their continued assistance on this great opportunity.”

Margate director Winsbury said: “We very much look forward to sharing our home with Minster FC for the next two seasons.

“They have used Hartsdown Park sporadically over the past 12 months and this new agreement will allow us to deepen our partnership, both on and off the pitch.

“We have seen in recent seasons that Minster FC has the desire to grow on the pitch and in the local community, and we’re extremely excited to be part of that journey with them and look forward to seeing them progress during their time at Hartsdown Park.”

It's not yet clear where Canterbury City will play from next season.

Margate find themselves in the Isthmian South East play-off places while Minster are flying high in the Kent County League Premier Division.