GRAVESEND and Northfleet FC have reacted furiously to the news that their under-11 side have been refused admission to both the Medway News Youth and Gravesend Boys' leagues.

The club has responded by accusing both of petty politics and say it is too late to apply for any other competitions.

Both leagues have refused to give explanations for the rejections after allegedly promising that Gravesend would be looked on favourably. Now they have been accused by Fleet chief executive Glenn Aitken of having hidden agendas.

He retorted: “The clear losers, in what looks like a game of petty politics are 16 youngsters who are being excluded from competing in their favourite sport.

“The secretaries of both leagues had given clear indication that an application would be looked upon favourably before eventually rejecting our boys and insisting we wait weeks and weeks for appeal.

“These appeals confirmed our suspicion of a hidden agenda to exclude GNFC teams.”

Gravesend Boys League secretary John Steadman said: “I have written to Gravesend explaining the decision and until I have confirmation that they have received the letter I don't think it would be appropriate to comment.”

The news comes at a time when the Fleet are looking to strengthen their involvement in the community and have appointed Ray Tuffield as chairman of their junior section to oversee their application for an FA Chartermark.

The club confirmed that they are looking to the Kent County FA for guidance on this matter and the development of coaching and training opportunities for youngsters.