Political opinion with Beccy Cooper MP: Congratulations Worthing FC!

The story of Worthing FC is a truly inspiring one and it was great to see that recognised recently as they were awarded the Freedom of the Borough.

It was a pleasure to join club owner, George Dowell, Chair Barry Hunter, Tom Rutland MP, Worthing Borough Council Leader Caroline Baxter, along with councillors and town crier Bob Smytherman to celebrate the award before their game against Sutton Utd at the Woodside.

With Remembrance week approaching, wreaths were laid before kick-off, and a minute’s silence impeccably observed by the large crowd. We must never forget the sacrifices made by so many to protect our freedoms and values and I will be joining further memorial events this weekend.

The club were then presented with the award, a fitting tribute not only to their success on the field but to the important role they play at the heart of our community. Dating back to 1894, The Freedom of the Borough is the highest civic honour that Worthing Borough Council can award, celebrating outstanding service to our community and representing an enduring mark of appreciation and respect.

A decade or so ago, Worthing FC was facing an uncertain future, burdened by debts and struggling to attract crowds of more than 200. All that changed when former youth player George Dowell, then just 22, stepped in to save the club, investing his personal compensation following a life-changing car accident. Since then, the club has cleared its debts and developed its facilities including a new pitch and stands, introduced youth pathways and a strong women’s football structure. Attendances have grown dramatically, with a season’s best 3,400 fans enjoying the recent midweek match against Southend.

On the pitch, Worthing have made history by winning the National League South title and securing promotion to the National League, the highest level in the club's 140-year history. They have won eight of their sixteen games so far, putting them at an impressive 6th place in the league in this, their first season.

Their work in the community is central to the club’s ethos. This year they established the Worthing FC Foundation, which uses football to improve health, education and social inclusion, whether in running adult disability and walking football sessions or supporting literacy through the BeSeenReading initiative. At Saturday’s game funds were also raised for the fantastic Olly’s Future suicide prevention charity, dedicated to supporting young people and reducing stigma surrounding mental health.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be The Rebel’s greatest day on the field, going down to three Sutton Utd first-half goals. No doubt they will soon bounce back, and I am very much looking forward to my next trip to the Woodside, hopefully later this month.

As always, you can contact me at [email protected].