The registration secretary of Kent's biggest youth football league has branded some parents as "touchline terrorists" in an outspoken attack on culprits who continually drive away referees from the competition.

Bill Kelly of the 156 team Valley Express sponsored Kent Youth League, and an experienced local referee, makes the forthright attack in his annual report to be presented at this Wednesday's annual meeting at the Lordswood Sports and Social Club, North Dane Way, Chatham.

"The league suffers from the problems of attracting and retaining referees because of abuse from parents," said Mr Kelly. "I call the offenders Touchline Terrorists."

League chief executive Colin Boswell discloses in his report that two parents have been banned from attending matches following incidents during a match in September.

He warns: "We will, if necessary, continue to take this ultimate sanction to defend the 99.9 per cent of good players and people in this competition. We have a problem with Parent Power but it will not beat us."

Thamesmead club Red Rovers, Eltham Town, Orpington and Lydd Town are all hoping to be accepted into the league at Wednesday's meeting.