Cirencester Football Academy have been pulled from the Hellenic League and will cease to exist.

The club were entered into the league in the late 90s and essentially acted as a reserve side for Dr Martens League Cirencester Town.

The outfit provided a stepping stone for members of Ciren's under 17 and 19 sides, allowing them to taste senior action before graduating to the first team.

But the recent departure of managers Dave Hawkins and Joey Freeth prompted a mass exodus of the players who had outgrown the youth teams but were unable to break into the Dr Martens League side.

Academy secretary Matt Sykes revealed:

"The decision to withdraw the team from the league was taken by the club's management in light of the fact that Cirencester Town now draw many of their players from their under 17 and 19 Academy squads.

"Cirencester Town will not be any worse off from this.

"The club would like to express their thanks to Dave Hawkins and John Freeth for their hard work."

Despite the blow, Cirencester Town will continue to run their ground-breaking Academy scheme, where members of the youth teams will supplement the first team squad while continuing their education at the town's college.

But the youngsters will now be thrown in at the Southern League deep end rather than having the chance to dip their toe into less intimidating Hellenic League waters.