George Dowell’s remarkable journey to becoming a soccer club owner is set to be depicted on film as Sharp House prepares to enter pre-production on “World at His Feet.” Producers of the 2023 BFI London Film Festival title “Black Dog” are taking on this inspiring true story of resilience, chronicling Dowell’s transformation from a career-ending accident to achieving the title of the youngest chair in the soccer league.
The screenplay, written by Libby Adam, known for “I’ll Play Mother” and “Daring,” narrates Dowell’s experience of a promising soccer career that was abruptly halted at 17 due to a car accident, which left him in a wheelchair.
After enduring a lengthy insurance dispute, he discovers that his local soccer club, Worthing FC, is on the verge of administration. Using the compensation from his accident, Dowell decides to take a leap of faith and purchase the club, making history as the youngest chair in the league.
Set to commence filming in Worthing, U.K., in the first quarter of 2025, the film is produced by Sharp House’s Ian Sharp, whose credits include “The Matriarch,” “Black Dog,” and “The Marker,” alongside Jason Maza of “Twist,” “Bullet Proof,” and “Sparks.” The film is expected to be completed later that year, with a director still to be confirmed.
Recently, Dowell’s story was featured in a TV documentary titled “The Club that George Built,” which aired on TNT Sport and Discovery+. In response to the documentary’s success, Dowell expressed his astonishment at the positive reception and his excitement about bringing his and Worthing FC’s story to the big screen.
He stated, “It’s surreal that we’re going to continue the journey and take mine and Worthing FC’s story to the big screen. I’m delighted to be working with Ian and Jason at Sharp House; they are incredibly experienced filmmakers, and I can’t wait to see how it all develops.”
Ian Sharp, CEO of Sharp House, remarked, “Sharp House feels like the perfect fit for George and his unique story. Having recently become a co-owner of Scunthorpe United Football Club, I understand the emotional roller coaster that comes with club ownership. I’m thrilled to work with George and create something truly special.”
Maza added, “Meeting George and hearing his story instantly made me feel it deserved a place on the big screen. It’s a unique and inspirational tale about overcoming adversity and facing every challenge life presents. The narrative is funny, emotional, and uplifting. With the talented Libby Adam writing the screenplay, we are in great hands.”