The rise of Youtube Football
Many of us grew up watching youtubers like The Sidemen, CapgunTom, AnEsonGib, The F2 Freestylers but who remembers Spencer FC. I personally grew up watching a lot of his videos, with series like his Fifa Ultimate Team rendition on The Wheel Of Fortune being one of my fondest memories. Back in 2016, Spencer formed Hashtag United, what was initially meant to be a group of friends playing a charity match to honour a childhood friend. In 2017, they played in the well-received Youtube Wembley Cup, and even won the tournament.
Nowadays, Hashtag United has developed themselves into a brilliant semi-pro/professional mens and womens team that has blasted through England’s football tiers. Yesterday Hashtag United’s Women team faced Newcastle United Womens in the Women’s National League Cup Final. The game ended 2-1 to Hashtag United, despite Newcastle having significantly higher funding and better resources. This was a monumental moment for football, as it showed how one man’s dream (Spencer) could turn into an opportunity for so many to enter the realm of professional football.
Upon doing my own research I stumbled upon the Singapore Football Social Association (SGFSA) , an initiative started by Aiman Rifqi and his partners Umar Khal, Clovis Yio, Haris and Matdos. It has also seen vast support by numerous local football content creators. They take a very unique approach to showcasing football, with a focus on entertainment value and quality media coverage. I’m not talking amateur work too, most of the content they have made looks ridiculously impressive. Constant highlights of their games, transfers of players within clubs, well planned cups and leagues, and even live streams of their matches. SGFSA has got a unique and entertaining approach to local football that stands out from the norm.
Could SGFSA replicate what Hashtag United did and potentially bring a new competitor to the S League? or can they go even further and expand their league into the television scene? I think they are on the right track, and are definitely an interesting initiative for you to keep an eye on. Check out their instagram here and give them a follow whilst you're at it.