IF you are fed up with football match officials then the new Blackheath People’s League could well be for you.

Now in the fourth week of its first season, the free six-a-side competition has no referess.

The league is the brainchild of 26-year-old latter-day hippie Stefan Imeson, a sociology and history teacher at Eltham Hill School.

He said: “There are no referees because the games are self-governed.

“If there’s a dispute over a free kick or throw-in, one team or the other concedes.

“The idea with our league is simply to utilise public space, which we don’t do enough of.

“The Blackheath People’s League is played on pitches marked out on Blackheath and has already attracted seven teams with four more in the offing.

“It’s free grass and fresh air.

“We’re hoping to play in midweek later in the summer.”

The age range of the players is from 16 to 40s and the league has attracted some players who were involved with pro clubs in their teens but have hardly played since.

Ben Garrett, 34, plays for The Graft Dodgers, a team of freelance workers in various jobs.

Garrett, who lives in Kidbrooke, said: “We wouldn’t be playing again if it was the usual Sunday football.

“This is different and we’re really enjoying it.”

For more information on the league, call 07775 426 776 or email blackheathpeoplesleague@hotmail.com