With less than a month to the start of the new MSFL season, Heath Banta have withdrawn from the league – leaving it with 50 teams.
Ben Nathan, manager of the Division Three team, informed league chairman David Wolff of his decision last night.
Nathan said: "Unfortunately, we have come to the conclusion that we are not going to be able to field a team for the season.
"It was felt that before fixtures were planned and further costs incurred it was best to wrap it up now.
"The majority of the squad are now on the wrong side of 30 and are married with young kids.
"Thus the commitment to play every Sunday for 30 weeks of the year just isn’t there anymore."
With star playing including Ollie Joseph and Stefan Simons now looking for new clubs, the club has folded after several seasons following a merger between FC Heath and Rapid Banta.
Nathan said: "There is no fun in scrapping to get 11 every week and no consistency can be built which affects performances and results
"Thus I feel we have no choice but to fold and call an end to the era that was Banta.
"It was great working with playing and managing all at the club and I hope to do so again at some point in the future
"The teams maybe no more but the Heath and Banta spirit will never die."
Hendon United Sports Club C have accepted an invitation to replace Heath Banta in Division Three.
The new season starts on September 4.
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