The directors of 9th tier club Milton United explains making the ‘difficult and emotional decision’ to withdraw from the NLS pyramid.
The Oxfordshire based side who sit 12th in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North with 48 points from 38 games played, announced the news over the weekend, following a 2-0 defeat to Ashford Town (Middx).
This is their first season at this level, previously finishing 12th and 7th. They won promotion from the Hellenic League (10th tier) in 2023, coming third and won the play-offs 4-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw against Hartpury University in the final, as per FCHD.
Sadly, these are just one of a concerning list of clubs having to resign, withdraw, or fold throughout the 2025/26 season. See more HERE or at the bottom of this article.
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STATEMENT:
“Milton United FC Withdraw Men’s First Team from the National League System
“Milton United Football Club Statement – Milton United Football Club, founded in 1909 and currently competing in the Combined Counties Premier League North, regretfully announces that our Men’s First Team will be withdrawing from the National League System (NLS).
“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.
“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 have 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.
“As a result of these delays, we failed the required ground grading back in November 2023. After two seasons of ground-sharing and the financial strain this has created, we are no longer in a position to sustainably support NLS football.
“While changes within the Parish Council may be forthcoming, the timeframe required to deliver the necessary facilities means we cannot continue to compete at this level.
“We want to be clear: this decision affects only the Men’s First Team. All youth and ladies’ teams will continue as normal at The Heights, and the club remains fully committed to supporting grassroots football, community wellbeing, and youth development.
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.
“Thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding.
“Milton United Football Club Directors”
Here’s how social media reacted as the 9th tier club explains making the ‘difficult and emotional decision’ to withdraw from the NLS pyramid…
@griffybayor: Life isn’t straight forward. It delivers challenges throughout. Hardest part is always doing the right thing and staying the course. Over 100 years this club has endured – if it can survive World Wars, it can survive this. Reflects the challenges across the whole pyramid. #UTFM
@LydneyTownAFC: Awful. Sorry to hear this. Time for a reform in policy on parish councils. Blue rinse brigade with bugger all else to do but ruin things for everyone else. So sorry to read.
@PeterMcCormack: Parish Council – urgh.
@DaveMelski: Very sad news. A well run club with good people at the helm. It’s hard enough to keep non-league clubs running anyway without having to face battles with the local parish council. Hope you come back soon from this temporary setback.
@jonsmithUC: What an appalling situation. Hopefully a more inspired Parish Council post-elections will recognise a beating heart of a community that ticks so many boxes for them. We look forward to your return.
@BroadfieldsUtd: Really sorry to hear this news guys. Everyone at Broadfields United sends their best wishes, we hope you can come back stronger very soon and that all the issues you are facing can be resolved 💙
@DaveGroundHops: Sorry to hear this folks, but good on you for keeping the other teams going. Is the plan for the mens team to return at some point? Or continue in a lower division? Have meant to get to you for a game for years, I will make it a priority in the new season!
@kidlingtonfc_: From everyone at Kidlington, today is a very sad day for football in Oxfordshire. We’re thinking of you all, and we know you’ll come back stronger. Football communities stick together — and we’re right behind you. 💙
@Ads_Turnbull: The club and directors who actively go about providing a base and service for the community, have been severely let down by all those previously on the parish council, who have ultimately been on a massive power trip. UTM
@ardleyunitedfc: All at Ardley are very sorry to hear this news and hope these issues can be resolved for a speedy comeback soon 💙
@KieranJ_1979: Really sad news. A proper club that have been let down when the future was supposed to look so bright.
@HolyportFC: So sorry to read this, a well run club who have been desperately let down when grassroots club need support. Sure your come back stronger
@GeorgeHogg93: It’s a very sad day as far as one of our clubs in the south of our great county of Oxfordshire is concerned. You will be back in a much stronger place, Milton Utd 💙💛 My thoughts are with you.
@NorthLeigh_FC: So sorry to hear this, everyone at North Leigh wish the club and all of the fantastic volunteers the very best for the future. You will be back, for sure. Keep on fighting!
@RichElthamNamos: So sad to read, and I’m astounded after all this time the local council have not bothered to support the local community to enable and sustain the development of youth players to a great 1st team 😢
@BeaconsfieldFC: So sorry to hear this. Come back stronger!
@billyoufc: #oufc supporters stand with you parish councils are not fit for purpose
@markusbartley: Red tape killing non-league football!
@RichardLee54056: Sincerely wish the best for the club and success for the other teams, and one day you will be back. I’m sure the whole non league community hope for your return.
Awful news 😔
Milton Parish Council have got a lot to answer for pic.twitter.com/9na1165BsM
— Mike Selwood (@MikeSelwood1) April 19, 2026
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