The Maidstone & District Football League is to fold after 125 years.

Efforts to attract more teams have failed, leaving the committee with no choice but to call time on the oldest local league in the country.

The league operated with only eight teams this season and three of those were planning to quit.

Last month, referee and fixture secretary Mick Brookes announced an offer of free entry in a bid to save it but only one new club came forward.

The league will be wound up at the end of the season and £8,000 in funds split between two charities.

Brookes, who's been part of the league for 30 years, said: "It's such a shame - 125 years of history down the pan.

"I'm not happy about it but what can I do? I can't do any more than I've done.

"One new team came forward but that's not enough because we've got three dropping out, so that's compounded the issue.

"We needed 10 teams to carry on and we'd be lucky to have seven.

"I'm just so disappointed we've lost the league. It's knocked me for six to be honest.

"The Maidstone area is not going to have a men's 11-a-side league on a Saturday and I think that's pretty poor after 125 years."

The league ran five divisions in its prime but has been struggling for several years.

Brookes said: "No one can put their finger on why clubs were leaving. We don't really know.

"I've made an assumption of several elements.

"I think the money's part of it and our social environment is different now."

The league could return one day if there's sufficient interest.

Register your interest with Mick Brookes by emailing mb1957@outlook.com and he will keep a record.
"Never say never," he said.