How Dorking Wanderers and Social Media Revive Non-League Football
· Sports · BBC Sport
Marc White founded Dorking Wanderers with friends 26 years ago after growing tired of Premier League prices, rising through 12 promotions to reach National League South. The club's behind-the-scenes documentary series 'Dorking Uncovered', broadcast on the YouTube channel 'Bunch of Amateurs', generated half a billion views in 2025. Rising ticket and television subscription costs for top-tier football are pushing fans toward local clubs, aided by social media reach as local newspaper coverage dwindles. Average attendances in Dorking's division reached 1,221 during the 2024-25 season, marking a 134% increase over a decade. White remains the longest-serving manager in the top six tiers of English football, balancing touchline antics with editorial oversight to avoid bans.
Why it matters
Non-league football clubs across England are experiencing a surge in community engagement and attendance as digital media replaces traditional local press coverage.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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