Maidstone United under-10s are celebrating success in the Junior Premier League.

The side have won the Essex Winter Cup, with five victories from six games.

They took the title ahead of ex-West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand’s academy side, with captain Channing Hayes leading them to a 5-2 victory over Bows Soccer Academy in their final game.

Maidstone, who only joined the JPL this year, will face the Middlesex champions in February, with the winners off to the national finals in Rugby.

Adam White, who assists manager Rob Bagley and coach Mike Paris, said: “It’s completely different to what we’re used to on a Saturday morning.

“You’re playing a lot of big teams, the best of the best. It’s like the Champions League for kids’ football.

“It’s a big achievement for the team to win their first JPL title.”