After being in paralyzed in a nearly fatal car crash, ex-footballer George Dowell had to give up playing the game he loved. But he refused to leave it completely.
Upon hearing Worthing FC, the team he used to play for, was in financial difficulty, he knew he had found his next focus. At age 22, Dowell would use his compensation money from the crash to save Worthing. With a five-figure investment and 75 percent stake, he bought the Club less than a week before it risked going under.
For the start of 2015 season, the club installed a beautiful Xtreme Turf surface with a bright red surround, certified to FIFA Two Star. Worthing FC have been able to use the new pitch as a hub for community engagement, as well as additional revenue generation. The Club had a great first season on the surface, and are now ramping up for this year’s games.
While Dowell settled into his progress with the Club, he began to face another hurdle—dating. He had never been on a first date–he had dated only his childhood sweetheart–and was becoming nervous of how he could meet women. Just then he found an online flier advertising auditions for Season 5 of The Undateables, a reality documentary show which helps people with disabilities and learning difficulties to find love. Dowell applied and was chosen to participate.
Dowell’s Undateables episode aired earlier this year, during which the club owner accumulated quite a fan base! As Worthing opens its second season on Xtreme Turf, the TV star continues to focus on the club’s progress and success.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com