Football club withdraws from National League System

For 10 years, the football club has been trying to secure a lease from Milton Parish Council to develop a new sports pavilion and facility.

But nothing has come together, with the club arguing that with permission for new facilities at The Heights, it would be unsustainable for the men’s first team to stay in the league.

A statement from the directors said: “This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision for the directors, taken after more than a decade of sustained effort to secure the long-term future of the club at The Heights.

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“For the past 10 years, the club has worked tirelessly to develop a new community-focused sports pavilion and social facility to serve the growing population of Milton Heights.

“Despite funding being in place for over seven years, ongoing delays in securing a lease from Milton Parish Council has prevented this vital development from progressing.

“During this time, the club has faced repeated uncertainty, unfulfilled commitments, and significant delays.

“We have engaged constructively at every stage—attending meetings, adapting plans, and working collaboratively—but despite a formal resolution passed in April 2025, the situation remains unresolved.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision for the directors, taken after more than a decade of sustained effort to secure the long-term future of the club at The Heights.

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“We place on record our sincere thanks to all players, management, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors who have stood by the club during this extremely challenging period. Your loyalty and commitment mean everything.

“We firmly believe this pause will allow Milton United FC to reset, resolve these issues, and return stronger—with the facilities and foundations needed to secure the club’s future for the next 100 years.”

Back in 2017, a legally-binding sum of agreed-to money, approximately £78,000, was to be put towards the formation of the Milton Community Sports & Leisure CLG.

But in the years since, Milton United has claimed the parish council has had a “lack of commitment” with instances of slow progress at the council delaying the project.

A spokesperson for Milton Parish Council previously said it is “committed” to delivering on the facility but warned it is unable to function properly as there isn’t enough resources there right now.

The parish council has been approached for further comment on United withdrawing from the league.

A spokesman previously said: “We recognise that the project has faced challenges along the way, but the council has acted consistently in good faith and is fully aware of its responsibility to manage public money with diligence and care.”