Worthing FC was founded in February 1886 as Worthing Association Football Club and spent its early years playing friendlies and competing in the Sussex Senior Cup. In those early days, home matches were mostly played in the People's (now Homefield) Park until the Club moved to Beach House Park in 1889. Worthing won the Senior Cup for the first time in 1893, beating Eastbourne FC 2-1 at the County Ground in Hove. This was the first of a record twenty-one victories in the competition.  

Worthing became founder members of the West Sussex Senior League in 1896, along with local rivals Worthing Athletic. The club, which amalgamated with Athletic in 1900, won seven league titles and moved to its current home at Woodside Road in 1901. The club's intriguing nickname of “The Rebels” dates from when it resigned from the West Sussex League over a rule change, prior to becoming a founder member of the Sussex County League in 1920.  Previously Worthing had been known as "The Mackerel Men": a reference to the fish on the club crest.

In 1977 became members of the newly-formed Isthmian League Division Two, winning the league championship and promotion in 1981/82. The following season saw the club win the Division One title, and also reach the 2nd Round of the FA Cup, losing 0-4 at Oxford United. The next two seasons Worthing finished as Premier Division runners-up to Harrow Borough and Sutton United.

In 1986 manager Barry Lloyd left to join Brighton & Hove Albion, and the following season Worthing were relegated from the Premier Division, and four years later found themselves back in Division Two. A revival soon followed under the guidance of Gerry Armstrong, and then John Robson, and in 1994/95 Premier Division status was regained. However, relegation back to Division One immediately followed.

The arrival of Alan Pook in 2003, ostensibly as Director of Football heralded a significant change in fortune for the Rebels in 2003/04. Pook, who had guided tenants Withdean 2000 to a League and Cup double in the Combined Counties League in 2002/03; had also enjoyed considerable success with Burgess Hill Town and Peacehaven & Telscombe previously. Barry Lloyd had returned as Manager in the meantime, replacing Sammy Donnelly, but was soon replaced by Pook, who brought in Danny Bloor (controversially sacked from County League champions Burgess Hill) as his assistant ... plus the nucleus of Withdean’s championship-winning side. Further strengthening continued and the club’s fortunes on the pitch improved.

Although the Rebels failed to pick up any silverware in 2003/04, they enjoyed a good run in the FA Trophy (going out to eventual winners Hednesford Town in a replay); and were runners-up to Brighton & Hove Albion Reserves in the Sussex Senior Cup Final. The side was left with a lot of ground to make up in the League, but finished strongly to take the runners-up spot behind Lewes, who had replaced Bognor as the Rebels’ arch rivals.

2004/05 produced a creditable 10th place finish in a tight-looking newly constituted Isthmian Premier Division, albeit some way outside the play-off positions. The FA Cup brought a disappointing early exit at Kent Leaguers Thamesmead Town; but the Rebels enjoyed more success in the FA Trophy - beating Whyteleafe and Mangotsfield United, before giving Crawley Town a fright at Broadfield Stadium, eventually losing 3-2. Meanwhile in the Sussex Senior Cup there was a surprise quarter final defeat by eventual finalists Ringmer.

With Pook now the Rebels’ Director of Football, and Bloor the Manager, the following season, 2005/06, brought a slightly improved League position as the Rebels established themselves comfortably as an Isthmian (Ryman) Premier club; and also reached the semi-finals of the Sussex Senior Cup where they were beaten by eventual winners Lewes. Worthing also went out to Conference South opposition in the FA Cup, at the 3rd Qualifying Round stage, losing at home to Basingstoke Town; whilst defeat in a replay at Stamford saw them exit the FA Trophy.

Season 2006/08 saw a small squad at Woodside Road and a combination of this and injury problems resulted the club struggling for much of the season and eventually occupying one of the relegation positions. Nevertheless Worthing reached another Senior Cup Final (their 14th appearance since 1946) but lost to Brighton & Hove Albion Reserves.

Description of ground
Like the Nyewood Lane home of neighbours Bognor Regis Town, Woodside Road is another seaside ground that exudes a certain charm. Most of the land in the area was donated to the club early in its history by a generous benefactor and local sportsman named Mr Brazier. However, over the years this has gradually been whittled away as the area has become increasing developed.

The impressive main stand which is situated along the near touchline, dominates the ground. It was was opened in 1986, after the previous low wooden structure was destroyed by fire the previous year, just two weeks before the tragedy at Bradford City. The old stand dated from around the mid 1920s and had an asbestos roof. The current stand also houses dressing rooms and function areas, as well as the Rebels’ Tavern. Because of this design,the seating is reached by steps leading up from the touchline. Although it provides a fine view of most of the pitch, a major drawback is that the near touchline and corner flags are obscured.

In late September 2004 the new stand was evidently within minutes of falling to the same fate as its predecessor, when a leak from an automatic glass cleaner onto electrical cabling caused a fire that completely gutted the Tavern. Fortunately the fire was discovered just in time, but the damage left the Tavern out of action for several months afterwards.

For those wishing to stand, an alternative to the grandstand is provided on the touchline opposite, between the two dugouts. The story goes that there was originally a large static water tank on the site during WW2 to combat the threat of incendiary bombs. This was then converted into a training area, and was subsequently sold for development. The small covered area that now faces the main stand was evidently built as a gesture by the developers, and has since been considerably improved since (see Bob Lilliman's archive photograph). Behind and to either side of the cover is a grass bank that extends for most of the touchline, although there is also a small area of terracing at either end. Although standing on the bank is prohibited (with signs reminding spectators of this fact), it remains a popular vantage point for Worthing's annual pre-season friendly against Brighton & Hove Albion. However, this is not something to be recommended in winter!

There are further covered areas at each end of the ground, with the main clubhouse behind the main entrance in Woodside Road. Floodlights were installed in 1976, and on two sides of the ground there is extensive netting to catch wayward clearances. All in all, a cracking ground and one of the very best in the county. Well worth a visit.

Directions
Follow the A24 to the town. At end of Broadwater Road, having gone over railway bridge, take the 1st right into Teville Road at the roundabout. Turn right into South Farm Road, then after crossing the railway turn left into Pavilion Road. Woodside Road is the 1st turning on the right, and the ground is on the left hand side. Parking is restricted to the surrounding roads and Woodside Road itself is best avoided. If a large crowd is anticipated (the Albion pre-season game for example) spectators are advised to arrive early and allow plenty of time for parking before walking to the ground.

Nearest railway station: Worthing (10 minutes).

Map (link to www.streetmap.co.uk)