DWINDLING numbers could force the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday Football League to drop to three divisions for the first time in more than 35 years.

With four teams having dropped out this season and more set to follow, organisers are facing low participation levels not seen since the 1970s.

Back then, the league ran with three divisions but it rose to five during the 1990s and currently has 37 teams split across four.

But secretary Martin Malin fears for the future of the competition, as well as other local leagues following the recent end to Saturday football in Worcester and Kidderminster.

He said: “Unless I get a sudden influx of teams, we will be at three divisions next season for the first time since the 1970s.

“We had five divisions 20 years ago when we peaked and I don’t see it getting better. I am very concerned about what is happening to local football. It’s getting to the stage where there needs to be some serious talking.”

Long-standing Ambassador and Offenham Rovers have withdrawn this term, along with AC Olympia and Pershore Old Boys, while there have only been three tentative enquiries from sides seeking to join for 2015-16.

Malin cited a variety of reasons, including “a lack of commitment in young people”.

He added: “The other thing is that, as good as youth football is, a lot of these youngsters start playing at Under-8s and, by the time they have got to Under-17s, they have done their football and have got other things to do.

“We want youngsters playing football but it’s a big problem.

“There’s been a growth in midweek leagues and six-a-side competitions. I haven’t got anything against them but a lot of lads who want to play football can do that rather than on a Saturday or Sunday in the winter.

“All of these things are adding up and I worry for the future of all local leagues.”

Interested new teams can contact Malin on 07891 521858.

n THE league's longest-serving club Evesham WMC were crowned Division One champions for the fourth time after their last success 20 years ago.

Bear are runners-up after a 2-0 win at Bretforton Old Boys through Keen and Bearcroft.

Stour Excelsior won 4-2 at Fladbury Athletic thanks to Robins, Dunsbee, Pratt and Johnson.

Cidermill clinched the Division Three title with a 4-0 triumph at Badsey Recreation.

Runners-up Inkberrow won 3-0 at Ecosamba.