The club was founded in 1916, during the First World War, as a company team by employees of the now defunct Vickers armaments factory in Crayford.

In 1996–97 season VCD won the Premier Division title by a record 15 points, they then successfully applied for senior status, and were accepted into the Kent League.

After struggling early on, VCD ended their first season at this level in 18th position, two places above the relegation zone, following a run of six consecutive victories.

VCD appointed Keith McMahon to replace him, but with no players at the club and only a few weeks until the start of the 2015–16 season, he was up against it from the beginning in trying to assemble a side to compete at step 3.

The 2022–23 season saw VCD relegated back to the Southern Counties East Premier Division, losing an inter-step play-off to local rivals Phoenix Sports.

[4] In June 2023 Ross Baker and Danny Joy were named new joint managers at VCD Athletic, having parted with Sporting Club Thamesmead the same month.