George Dowell Interview: Football and Accessibility

The world of football accessibility is an area where lived experience and professional management often collide. At Sociability, we know that access can vary greatly depending on the location, the age of the stadium, and the specific adjustments required for different disabilities. A few years back, during one of our mapping days, we had the pleasure of meeting George Dowell and his partner, Jessikah.

George is the owner of Worthing Football Club, a role he took on to save his local club and ensure it became a hub for the entire community. After a life-changing injury at 17, George shifted his passion from playing on the pitch to leading from the boardroom. We sat down with him to discuss his experience of running a club and his mission to make the beautiful game more inclusive for everyone.

Hey, George! Thanks so much for joining us - so first things first let's talk the back story, has football always been a passion of yours?

I’ve always loved football for as long as I can remember! Been told by my parents that as soon as I was walking I was kicking a ball around. I started playing when I was 4 for Worthing United under 5s, and loved it ever since. Obviously after my sci at 17, I could no longer play the sport I so loved but was keen to stay involved. So when the opportunity came up to buy Worthing Fc, it was too good to pass up!

What does your day-to-day role look like?

In recent years as the club has grown my day-to-day workload has reduced as the off-pitch team has grown and we have more full-time staff members. However, I still have jobs that I’m heavily involved with at the club, mainly social media and alongside the board, leading and setting the strategy of the club.

In terms of accessibility, we're so impressed with your Accessibility Guide. Can you tell us why you decided to create this and what you wanted to achieve?

I decided to create this because I wanted to let people with a disability know that the ground is accessible for all, so they can rest assured we have the facilities to make them feel as comfortable as possible and if they have any queries there is a number to contact.

What do you think is important when considering disabled attendees at football matches?

I think the biggest and most important thing to consider is the positioning of the accessible seating. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a game and being stuck in a corner where you can hardly see the pitch and choices are often limited at stadiums so you can't move around and pick where you want to go, you’re stuck!

Although, as Worthing FC have got bigger and we’ve gone up in the leagues, the grounds we’ve played at have improved and so this issue is less common.

Equally as important is that the stadium has comfortable disabled toilet facilities so that you can relax in the knowledge that if you do need to go to the loo, then there is a place to do so. You don’t want to get to the ground and find out you can’t use the toilet.

And finally, what are your goals for the future?

The ambition is to keep growing the club, on and off the pitch. Building relationships with our community and ensuring the club remains sustainable and financially secure so that everyone can enjoy it for years to come!

The Impact of Local Leadership

George’s work at Worthing FC highlights a vital truth: when we ask are football matches accessible for disabled people, the answer often depends on the leadership at the top. By creating a dedicated Accessibility Guide and prioritising sightlines and facilities, George is proving that clubs of all sizes can lead the way in football accessibility.

We know the importance of these granular details, and George's passion for inclusion will undoubtedly improve the experience for many disabled fans. We hope to see more clubs following his lead to ensure that match day is a joy for everyone, regardless of their access requirements.

Want to follow George’s journey? You can find George and his partner Jessikah on Instagram at @thewheellife_ for more insights into their life and advocacy.

FAQ: Exploring Football Accessibility

1. How do I find a club's Accessibility Guide?

Most clubs, like Worthing FC, list their access information under a "Fans" or "Visit Us" section on their official website. If you cannot find a guide, look for the contact details of the Disability Access Officer.

2. Are football matches accessible for disabled people in the lower leagues?

While Premier League stadiums often have more modern facilities, many local clubs like Worthing are making huge strides. In fact, smaller grounds can sometimes offer a more personalised and less overwhelming experience for fans with sensory needs.

3. Can the Sociability app help me find accessible spots near the stadium?

Yes. While the club manages the ground itself, you can use the Sociability app to find detailed access information for the pubs, cafés, and restaurants surrounding the stadium. This ensures your entire match-day experience, from pre-match drinks to the post-game meal, is stress-free.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this post.

Planning a trip? Download the Sociability app to find accessible cafés, bars, and restaurants that meet your specific needs in seconds. You can also join our community and follow us on Instagram for the latest inclusive spots!

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