Maidstone United’s proposed return to the County Town will provide more just than a place to play first team games but also a priceless social hub for hundreds of players of all ages and abilities.

That is the claim of the club’s head of community John Harvey (pictured), who is also in charge of the club’s thriving disability section which features around 75 players.

Mr Harvey said having a permanent base in the town would give the dozens of Stones youth and disability teams a place to call home and a venue to hold meetings and functions.

He said: "We currently don’t have a hub in Maidstone for meetings. We have a strong partnership with a hotel or use the Maidstone United headquarters on College Road. We have to beg, borrow and steal facilities to hold our functions so this new facility will make a massive difference to us."

He added: "It has taken 20 years to get to this stage but we are excited about the new facilities and believe the club has a bright future.

"To have this place available all week and to have somewhere which provides a social aspect as well as a playing facility, will be fantastic for the club and the town."