Worthing Football Club has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough in recognition of its contribution to the town and local community.
Councillors unanimously approved the honour at a special meeting of Worthing Borough Council on Wednesday evening.
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest civic honour the council can award and has only been given to a small number of recipients.
Council leader Caroline Baxter nominated the club after the men’s team’s promotion to the National League, the highest level the club has reached.
The nomination also recognised the club’s wider role in Worthing, with councillors highlighting its long-standing contribution to community life and its ability to bring generations of supporters together.
Worthing’s MPs, councillors, businesses and community organisations backed the proposal before it was considered at the special council meeting.
After the vote, Worthing Mayor Councillor Lysanne Skinner presented a framed and signed scroll to club owner George Dowell and chairman Barry Hunter.
Councillor Baxter said: “Worthing Football Club is so much more than a football club. It’s an important part of the fabric of our town, bringing generations of people together and creating a real sense of community and belonging.
“The club’s promotion to the National League is an incredible achievement and a proud moment for everyone connected with Worthing, but this honour is about recognising the contribution the club has made to our community over many decades.”
Club chairman Barry Hunter said the award was a huge honour and reflected the work of many people connected with Worthing FC, both past and present.
Dozens of club representatives attended the special meeting at Worthing Town Hall last night.
The council said it wanted to thank Worthing FC for its enduring contribution to the town and wished both the men’s and women’s teams well for the rest of the season.
Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Cyclist seriously injured in Portsmouth collision
VIDEO: Drink-driver jailed for 10 years after killing highways worker on M23 near Crawley
Bronze pig could become newest feature in Ringwood town centre
Santa, snowballs and beatboxing as Chichester panto returns for Christmas
Summer beach patrols end across Arun coastline
Visitors urged to stay away from Lewes Bonfire as major travel restrictions announced
Post office to hotel in Chichester
Selsey’s Hidden Garden wins top RHS community gardening award
Gatwick Airport strikes called off after workers accept improved pay deal
Portsmouth and Brighton protests planned as household energy price cap rises
