Could a Bitcoin (BTC) Powered Football Team Really Create a City? In Cointelegraph’s latest documentary, journalist Joe Hall investigates the impact of a bitcoin soccer club, Real Bedford, on the small town of Bedford in the UK.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn7gaq6F2Jw (/embed)
Peter McCormack, the famous host of What did bitcoin do? podcast, he bought the Real Bedford Football Club in 2021 during the height of the Bitcoin bull run.
While many questioned his decision, McCormack saw an opportunity to revive a soccer club and promote the adoption of bitcoin in his hometown. Two years later, Real Bedford FC gained promotion, garnered great sponsorship, and attracted a large number of domestic and international fans.
As the video demonstrates, the club’s bright orange jerseys proudly display the Bitcoin logo, symbolizing its close association with the world’s largest digital currency. Before each game, Bitcoin meetups are organized and influential personalities from the Bitcoin world are invited to attend.
Naturally, the manager’s unorthodox approach drew both curiosity and criticism, with some locals questioning the Bitcoin brand and its implications. Hall asks locals in interviews and conversations on the streets how much the club has had an impact on the city. Some are familiar with the club’s bitcoin takeover and others have never heard of McCormack, but the prevailing sentiment was negative.
However, McCormack aims to dispel misunderstandings and facilitate greater Bitcoin adoption through the football club. Instead of forcing the currency on the townspeople, he believes in using the team as a Trojan horse to gradually introduce them to Bitcoin. The Real Bedford website offers a statement titled “Why You Shouldn’t Buy Bitcoin,” emphasizing the importance of education and responsible investing.
Trojan ball ☠️ pic.twitter.com/fh77fufvcx
Peter McCormack April 11, 2023
While the Real Bedford remains a bitcoin-only club, McCormack acknowledges the appeal of other cryptocurrencies and crypto-related projects:
“If you make a shitcoin, I can raise a billion, and I’ll have this club in the Premier League in nine years because you have the money to do it. I can build a £200m stadium if I make a cryptocurrency. It’s really tempting.”
However, McCormack is committed to the principles of bitcoin. He is convinced that with the hard work and support of the Bitcoin community, Real Bedford can reach the Premier League in the 2030s.
Through interviews with Jeff Booth, Ben Arc, fans and locals, the Real Bedford documentary will shed light on the team’s story, showcasing the transformative power of Bitcoin in sports and local communities.
With the UK government poised for central bank digital currencies — despite warnings from the Bitcoin community — Bitcoin may lose its foothold in the country. In such an environment, Real Bedford has increasingly become a beacon for Bitcoin adoption in the UK.
Related: Bitcoin Football Club Real Bedford FC wins the league
Generally, for Barcelona’s crest, Real Bedford is “mes que un club” or “more than a club”. It is a symbol of resilience and rebellion and a true example of Bitcoin’s ability to increase territory.
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