[2] He then worked as a schoolteacher and played amateur football with Grays Athletic before moving to Northfleet United along with Charlie Buchan in 1909.

He scored on his debut, against Brighton & Hove Albion on 5 November 1910, and averaged a goal every other game during his two seasons at Upton Park.

In January 1912, he switched to inside left, where he played his final three games for the club instead of his usual centre forward role.

[4] He was forced to retire from professional football after injuring his knee in an FA Cup third-round match against Middlesbrough on 8 February 1912.

[5] After the outbreak of World War I, Kennedy enlisted with the London Scottish Regiment because of his parentage, and served as a Lance Corporal.