Amateur football teams have been left out of pocket after a league was unexpectedly cancelled.

Warwick-based firm Leisure Leagues ran a six-a-side tournament at Basildon Sporting Village, in Cranes Farm Road.

However, after a bust-up with the venue, the league has suspended play with just two games to go, and has been noncommittal about whether it will start up again.

One of its managers told the Echo yesterday play was “unlikely”to resume in Basildon.

That means seven teams, including the Echo’s squad, Bayern Echo, have been left in the lurch.

Ian Burbidge, manager of Bayern Echo, said: “This is very infuriating as we’ve put a lot into our season - both financially and emotionally – so to be left in the lurch is particularly galling.

“I know the other teams were as bemused as us to be told that play had been suspended. It smacks of amateurism.

“It seems ridiculous that the league would fold with just two games to go. We were top of the league and on the cusp of glory, so it’s galling the season has ended this way.”

Last month, the league sent an email saying: “The Sporting Village had double booked us for a couple of weeks, which was the centre’s fault and not ours.

“We are looking at other venues in the area, but have not found anywhere.

“We are not going to return to Basildon Sporting Village due to the problems we had with it.”

A £25 registration fee is paid and each 30-minute game costs £20. A total of 11 games have been played, meaning teams have coughed up £220 so far.

Leisure Leagues took down an online webpage of fixtures and the league table shortly after, sparking concerns.

Tom Fletcher, Everyone Active general manager, said: “I’m sorry to hear Leisure Leagues is looking for an alternative venue.

“We have contacted them on several occasions advising them to rebook and pay their outstanding balance if theywish to continue using the facility.

“Despite our efforts, no booking has been made since April 2014 and as such we gave the Monday night slot to another league who requested a block booking.”

Leisure Leagues refused to comment.