York City Snap Up Dynamic Left-Back Ben Brookes Ahead of 2025/26 Season

York City are pleased to confirm the signing of Ben Brookes, who will join the club on 1st July following the expiry of his contract with Maidstone United.

The 24-year-old full-back arrives at the LNER Community Stadium after an impressive campaign in the National League South, where he played a pivotal role in Maidstone's run to the play-off final.

Brookes began his footballing journey in the youth academies of West Ham United and Chelsea, before making his senior debut with non-league side Tower Hamlets, racking up over 25 appearances.

A move to Basildon United followed in 2020/21, though his time there was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He then switched to Great Wakering Rovers, scoring a memorable free-kick against Hashtag United – the club he would later join that same season.

Wearing the yellow and blue of Hashtag United, Brookes quickly made an impact, providing four assists in his first seven matches. He featured across two seasons for the Essex club, before stepping up to Chelmsford City in January 2023.

At Chelmsford, he became a fan favourite with 50 appearances in one season, helping push the Clarets into consecutive play-off campaigns – though both ended in heartbreak at the semi-final stage.

In 2024/25, Brookes signed with Maidstone United, where he hit form early, notching nine goal contributions before Christmas while operating at left midfield. His form continued into the play-offs, including a brilliant brace in the eliminator win over Worthing. Maidstone came close to promotion but ultimately fell short in the final against Boreham Wood.

Now, with three consecutive play-off campaigns under his belt, Brookes makes the move north with one clear goal – to help York City secure promotion in 2025/26.

Welcome to the Minstermen, Ben!