REALITY TV icon Calum Best has announced he is now the chairman of Dorking Wanderers FC’s women’s team.
The son of football superstar George Best has taken some time away from his reality TV career to get involved with his father’s old passion.
GettyCalum Best has confirmed he is now chairman of Dorking Wanderers women’s team[/caption]
The 42-year-old was approached by his friend Marc White – the owner of Dorking Wanderers Football Club – to see if he’d like to take the volunteer position of chairman for his team.
Calum could not have turned down the opportunity of working in women’s football after being an active campaigner for the Her Game Too movement.
It aims to tackle sexism and champion women’s football.
Calum told the BBC: “I’d never even thought of being involved in football like this before.
“But, I thought there was the opportunity to do something positive for women’s football. And, of course, I quite liked the title.”
There has been huge growth in interest in women’s football – not least since the Lionesses’ success at the Euros last summer.
Dorking only formed in 2020 but have quickly established themselves and they now play in the London and South East Premier Women’s League – tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid.
Calum also confirmed the team have been filming a BBC series titled “Squad Goals: Dorking ‘Til I Die”.
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But he admitted he took the role before receiving the TV deal.
He continued: “I took the role before any television was involved.
“I’ve done a lot of reality TV, but I took the role as chairman for a different reason.
“I just wanted to do something exciting and to learn as much as possible as I go.
“It is all new, but this is a professional role. I think people who have watched me on TV before will see a very different side to me.”
The Celebrity Love Island star grew up loving the game – his father George Best has been regarded as one the greatest players of all time in the sport.
George spent the best part of his career at Manchester United, making 470 appearances and scoring a whopping 179 goals.
He passed away in 2005 aged 59 as a result of alcohol addiction – meaning Calum had been raised by his mother Angie Best
Calum said the decision to champion women’s football was linked to his childhood.
He added: “I was raised by my mother, so I’ve been surrounded by women my whole life.
“Working for a ladies’ team has opened my eyes up to parts of the game I’ve never really known before.”
PA:Press AssociationCalum Best with his mother Angie Best and father George[/caption]