Worthing FC promotion set to deliver major boost to town’s tourism and visitor economy
Worthing FC’s historic promotion to the National League is being hailed not only as a sporting milestone, but as a significant boost for tourism and the local economy.
Our two MPs, the council leader and the town centre manager are anticipating a surge in visitors to the seaside town next season.
Adam Hinshelwood’s side secured the National League South title with a 2-0 victory over Ebbsfleet at Woodside Road, where a record crowd of 4,002 created a celebratory atmosphere as the club sealed top spot on the final day.
The achievement marks a rapid rise for the Rebels, who have spent four seasons at step two, reaching the play-offs in their first three campaigns before finally going one better and winning the league outright.
From next season, Worthing will compete in the National League for the first time in their history, hosting clubs with strong national followings such as Hartlepool, Yeovil, Aldershot and Sutton, as well as teams relegated from League Two. The fixture list is expected to draw travelling supporters from across the country to the Sussex coast.
This influx of away fans could provide a major uplift for hotels, hospitality venues, restaurants, and the wider town centre economy.
Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper said: “I was at the match on Saturday and was overwhelmed by the strength of community spirit throughout the game and of course the absolute joy at the result, after so many close calls in recent years.
“George Dowell’s ownership of the club has been transformative, not just on the pitch but to the sense of pride and identity in our town. There will of course also be benefits to our local economy, with fans from all over the country travelling here and staying overnight.
“Worthing FC are a fantastic success story for our town and I’ll be discussing ways to honour their achievement.”
East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland also highlighted the wider visitor impact.
He said: “Worthing FC’s historic league win and promotion to the National League is a fantastic achievement for the players, coaching staff and George Dowell, and also the fans who have supported them throughout this incredible journey.
"This result means so much not just to everyone living in Worthing, but also the fantastic hospitality businesses we have here, who will benefit from traveling fans from all over the country next season.
"This fantastic victory puts Worthing FC firmly on the map, and while we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, Worthing FC’s promotion gives all of us even more reason to back the 3UP campaign, as the sky is the limit for this incredible team.”
Worthing Borough Council leader Sophie Cox said the club’s success would help strengthen the town’s profile as a destination.
“I, along with many other Worthing residents, was delighted to see Worthing FC secure promotion after a historic home victory at Woodside Road this weekend,” she said.
“Moments like this bring our community together, and it has been wonderful to see the support across the town - from fans cheering in the stands to celebrations long into the evening in venues in the town centre. We are all incredibly proud of the team and their determination in achieving this success.
“This achievement will also no doubt inspire the next generation, encouraging more of our young people to get involved in grassroots football and supporting the health and wellbeing of our community.
“We can now look forward to welcoming visiting supporters from across the country to Worthing, providing a real boost to our town as they experience everything Worthing has to offer – from our award-winning hospitality and restaurants to our beautiful coastline.”
Visiting fans are likely to extend stays, combining matchdays with seaside trips and overnight visits, creating additional spending in hotels, bars, cafés and shops.
The Worthing Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is ‘absolutely thrilled’ with the success of the football team.
Hannah Manzaroli, BID manager, added: “What an incredible moment this is for the club and the town.
"There is a real sense of pride and excitement in Worthing right now, and we cannot wait to welcome people from all over the UK and show them what our town has to offer.
"This is fantastic news for the town centre too as supporters travelling down for matches will bring extra footfall for our pubs, bars, cafés, restaurants, shops and places to stay, with many people likely to make a full day or weekend of it by enjoying the seafront and everything else Worthing has to offer.
“It has been lovely to see how quickly local businesses have got behind the club, with many traders already offering discounts and promotions for ticket holders to help build the atmosphere and give visitors a warm Worthing welcome.
"There is already a real buzz around town, and achievements like this bring such positive energy. We know businesses will be excited to play their part and make a great impression on everyone visiting over the season ahead.”
Worthing Borough Council also reflected that sentiment in a social media post, saying: “Huge congratulations to Worthing FC on being crowned champions of National League South!
“A historic achievement that sees the Rebels promoted to the National League – the fifth tier of the English football pyramid – for the very first time in the club’s history.
“An incredible season, a fantastic squad, and a proud day for the whole town. Congratulations to everyone involved – you’ve done Worthing proud.”