I bought my childhood football club at the age of 22
George Dowell bought Worthing FC after pay-out for a crash that ended his playing career.
George Dowell was on track to become a professional footballer after he got into Worthing FC鈥檚 under-18s trials when he was 15.
His dream was cut short after a devastating car crash at 17 left him paralysed from the chest down.
Speaking to 5 Live鈥檚 Rachel Burden, he says it was 鈥渄evastating going from being an active teenager to overnight not being able to walk鈥�.
Five years later, at the age of 22, he read a story in the local paper that Worthing FC was struggling financially and decided to use some of the money he鈥檇 saved from the insurance pay-out following the accident to help out.
Worthing has gone on to win two promotions in the space of five years as well as reaching two cup finals. This culminated in the club鈥檚 rise to the National League South, the highest level in its history.
鈥淚 knew that it was the perfect career for me because I love football so much,鈥� he says.
鈥淚t was something I was never going to quit at and I knew that I鈥檇 always be passionate about it.鈥�
He has since transformed the club and has made a documentary about how he did it, as well as exploring how he and his partner have navigated his disability.
George has also been awarded an MBE for services to football and disability awareness.
This clip is originally from 5 Live Breakfast on September 30th 2024.
