Political opinion: Beccy Cooper MP - Celebrating Worthing FC
Last Saturday I spent a fantastic afternoon with Worthing FC, a club very much at the heart of our communities.
Before kick-off, I was honoured to lay a wreath in the centre circle as part of Remembrance weekend. The Last Post was sounded and a minute’s silence impeccably observed in a very moving tribute to our Forces.
We then took to the stand to watch the game and from the get-go let me say that I am no football expert and make no claim to be one. But seated as I was between Barry Hunter, the club’s extremely welcoming chairman, and football fanatic Ian Hart, I was in good hands.
As you may possibly know, Worthing played brilliantly and ran out 4-0 winners against Hemel Hempstead, moving us up to 8th in the league.
At full-time I was then afforded the further honour of being allowed onto the pitch to applaud the players off. And then show my support with Barry, for the 3UP campaign, a cause to which the club are very firmly committed.
The 3UP campaign seeks to increase promotion places from the National League to the English Football League from two to three. It is supported by all 72 National League clubs, with the aim of making progression through the pyramid fairer. It was also raised very recently at Prime Minister’s Questions, with Sir Keir Starmer commending the campaign and giving it his full backing.
Earlier this year, the government passed the Football Governance Act 2025, establishing an Independent Football Regulator. The regulator’s purpose is to ensure financial stability, enforce fit and proper ownership tests, and protect clubs from mismanagement. It also strengthens supporter engagement, requiring clubs to consult fans on key heritage matters such as stadium names and crests—steps that align perfectly with Worthing FC’s community-first approach.
The success of the men’s team has been remarkable over the past few seasons, only missing out on promotion last year by the narrowest of margins. However, there is much more to the club than that. Worthing FC Women are newly promoted, with opportunities for female players from under-14 to under-19.
There is also an adult inclusive team for players with additional needs. The club’s walking football programme gives opportunities for players aged 50 and above to keep active, with sessions focusing on physical health, social connection, and the sheer enjoyment of the game. The initiative has been widely praised for its inclusivity and its role in tackling isolation among older residents.
Outside of football, the club also plays a huge part in the wider community, working with, amongst others, St Barnabas House, the Worthing Food Foundation and giving recent support for both prostate cancer screening and the ‘Heads On’ mental health charity.
On and off the field, they’re an absolute credit to our town and I’m very much looking forward to my next visit to Woodside Road – and hopefully, another brilliant result.