Whilst the club is enjoying a successful season in the National League South and making positive progress off the pitch relating to its future tenure at Meadowbank, we must ensure that plans are firmly underway, so we have the required planning, resources, and permissions to qualify and compete for promotion to the English Football League.

When the club was last in the National League (seasons 22/23 and 23/24) we completed the ‘Application for Membership to the EFL’, which is a mandatory requirement for any National League club that wishes to be considered for promotion from The National League to The English Football League (EFL) at the end of the season (either via automatic promotion or the play-offs). On both occasions the club failed the application as we did not meet the criteria for promotion to the EFL. As a result, had we qualified for the play-offs then we would not have been able to compete due to not passing the application process.

To ensure that the club can compete in the play-offs and qualify for promotion to the EFL, we need to evidence that we comply with the following criteria, including planning approval where applicable:

  • Cover for at least 200 away spectators, including 100 seated.
  • Ground control room including CCTV.
  • Bigger home and away dugouts to include 14 seats each.
  • LED increase to 500 LUX (currently 250).
  • Changing rooms that are twice the size of the current facilities.
  • Address standard of the current playing surface.
  • Enhanced accommodation of disabled supporters.
  • Evidence ability to increase capacity in season one of promotion to achieve 2002 seats.

With planning applications linked to parts of the above, and deadlines on ground developments, we need to ensure that documentation and drawings are prepared and submitted to the local authority ASAP so they can follow due process ahead of the November 2025 deadline. Failure to do so will mean that we would fail the application and would not qualify to compete for promotion to the English Football League, should we be in the National League following completion of the current 24/25 season.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? 

To complete the above, the club needs significant financial resources, not only to support the planning process, but also to complete the works and bring the stadium up-to the required EFL standard. We have drawn inspiration from some amazing previous local examples, like Bromley FC, who have been diligent in both planning and executing ground development projects to ensure that they have all the infrastructure in place to secure promotion and monetise accordingly, and as a club we want to emulate this to ensure that we are a step ahead of the game.

“25 years, over 1000 games and 12 promotions…we haven’t even started yet. The hard work starts now.” – Marc White

The club, driven by Chairman and Manager Marc White, Chief Executive Jonathan Bines, the Senior Committee, over 1000 part-owners, 120 staff and volunteers, and a loyal fan base that continues to support the Wanderers home and away week in, week out, are determined to build on our success and take this club into the English Football League. However, current infrastructure and resources only support National League status, so as it stands promotion to the EFL is not a viable option for Dorking Wanderers Football Club. Planning for and completing the works above is therefore pivotal to support our ambitions and continue our journey through the English football pyramid.

JOIN US FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

We are currently inviting interested supporters, business owners, consortiums, and investors, based both in the UK and worldwide, to contact us if they are interested in supporting our ‘Next Chapter’ project. There is currently equity available for prospective club owners, ranging from entry level shareholdings to board level opportunities, along with a unique investment model that means you can support the club and generate a meaningful 10% annual return on your investment over a term that suits your circumstances.

 

Interested in playing your part? Please email kris@dorkingwanderers.com who will be very happy to help and provide more information on both equity and investment opportunities.

Entry level share packages are also available here: dwfc.co.uk/club25/