Worthing FC Secure Historic Promotion To National League

Fans of Worthing FC say their club’s first promotion to the top tier of non-league football in its 140-year history is “what dreams are made of”.

The Rebels sealed promotion to the National League with a 2-0 victory over Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

Supporter Simon Jenkins said he could hardly believe the achievement, having followed the club for nearly 30 years, recalling much smaller crowds in the past.

James Easton, who hosts a podcast about the club, said the rise through the leagues “doesn’t feel real”.

The club’s transformation has been led by owner George Dowell, who joined Worthing’s youth setup as a teenager before being paralysed in a car crash in 2010.

With the club facing debts of almost £200,000, Dowell took over in 2015 at the age of 22, using compensation money to save it – becoming one of the youngest football club owners in the country.

Since then, Worthing have achieved three promotions.

Actor and producer Jason Maza is now developing a film about the club’s story, describing it as one of the most remarkable in non-league football.

Easton added that Dowell has helped transform the club and bring renewed energy to football in the town.