Young Owners Revive Walton & Hersham, Proving Community Spirit Fuels Football Success

In a remarkable tale of grassroots football revitalization, Walton & Hersham, a non-League club with a storied past, has transformed its fortunes through the unorthodox leadership of a group of teenagers, savvy social media strategies, and a unique partnership with U.S. investors. While Wrexham’s Hollywood takeover has attracted much attention in recent years, Walton & Hersham’s journey is equally compelling, illustrating the power of community engagement and youthful ambition. Founded in 1945, Walton & Hersham has struggled through various ups and downs. Once celebrated for their FA Cup exploits in the 1970s, the club found itself teetering on the brink of collapse by 2019, having descended to the 10th tier of English football and evicted from their home ground. As local interest in the club waned, the future appeared bleak. However, a chance encounter in a local pub sparked a revival. Calogero Scannella, a 19-year-old university student, struck up a conversation with then-owner Alan Smith, who was contemplating folding the club. Inspired by the idea of ownership, Scannella rallied six friends, and they soon found themselves the world’s youngest football club owners after purchasing Walton & Hersham for just £1 on June 3, 2019. Initially overwhelmed by the realities of running a football club, the young owners found themselves navigating financial challenges and operational obstacles. They lost money in their first season but managed to secure a promotion due to an unusual league structure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initial success, however modest, laid the foundation for what was to come. The teenagers’ inexperience became their greatest asset. Without the constraints of conventional wisdom, they embraced a bold, experimental approach that included a strong social media presence, engaging video content, and an open connection with the local community. By 2023, Walton & Hersham boasted more than one million followers online and attracted crowds that swelled from around 50 to over 1,000 for key matches. Their innovative strategies extended to forming a partnership with a Florida-based president, Christopher Corey, who shares their vision of breaking down barriers in youth football. This led to the establishment of Walton & Hersham America, which aims to provide free-to-play football opportunities for children in the U.S., allowing talented players to combine study and play in both countries. On the pitch, Walton & Hersham’s ambitions are reflected in their performance as they chase their fourth consecutive promotion. While navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of management—such as the controversial departure of a coach—the club has been strategic, emphasizing a style of play that attracts young talent and fosters a competitive spirit. The success of Walton & Hersham illustrates the untapped potential of community-based football clubs in the U.K. With a population of around 150,000 in their catchment area, the club sees immense opportunity for growth. Their approach, focusing on sustainability and community investment rather than quick financial gain, mirrors the rise of other football clubs like Dorking Wanderers, which has seen significant success in recent years under similar philosophies. As they look to the future, the club’s leaders, still in their twenties, are undeterred by the prospect of failure. They view their journey as a long-term project, prioritizing community connectivity and gradual progress over immediate accolades. This dedication has garnered a loyal fanbase, with many returning to the stands after years away. The story of Walton & Hersham is one of resilience, youthful ambition, and the transformative power of football. As these young owners aim to elevate their club further up the English football pyramid, their journey serves as a reminder that passion and community spirit can breathe new life into even the most unassuming clubs. In their quest, they are not merely seeking promotions but are crafting a narrative that celebrates the roots of football, reminding all that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places.