Can a Bitcoin-backed football team really uplift a town? This question is explored in the latest Cointelegraph documentary, where reporter Joe Hall investigates the impact of Real Bedford, a Bitcoin football club, on the small commuter town of Bedford in the United Kingdom. In 2021, Peter McCormack, renowned host of the What Bitcoin Did podcast, purchased Real Bedford Football Club during the height of the Bitcoin bull run.
While some questioned his decision, McCormack saw an opportunity to revive a football club and promote Bitcoin adoption in his hometown. Fast forward two years, and Real Bedford F.C. has achieved promotion, secured significant sponsorships, and garnered a dedicated following of local and international fans.
The club proudly sports bright orange jerseys with the Bitcoin logo, symbolizing its close association with the world’s largest digital currency. Prior to each game, Bitcoin meetups are organized, and influential figures from the Bitcoin world are invited to attend.
Naturally, the unconventional approach of the club’s manager has sparked curiosity and criticism, with some locals expressing skepticism about the Bitcoin branding and its implications. Hall interviews locals on the streets and at the pitch, gauging the club’s influence on the town. While some are aware of the Bitcoin takeover, others have never heard of McCormack, and the prevailing sentiment appears to be negative.
However, McCormack aims to dispel misunderstandings and facilitate greater Bitcoin adoption through the football club. Instead of imposing the currency on residents, he believes in using the team as a Trojan horse to gradually introduce them to Bitcoin. The Real Bedford website even features a statement titled “Why you shouldn’t buy Bitcoin,” emphasizing the importance of education and responsible investment.
Although Real Bedford remains a Bitcoin-only club, McCormack acknowledges the allure of other cryptocurrencies and crypto-related projects. He acknowledges the temptation of creating a “shitcoin” that could generate substantial funding and propel the club to the Premier League within a short timeframe. Nevertheless, McCormack remains committed to Bitcoin’s principles. He believes that with hard work and support from the Bitcoin community, Real Bedford can reach the Premier League by the 2030s.
Featuring interviews with Jeff Booth, Ben Arc, fans, and locals, the documentary sheds light on the team’s story, showcasing the transformative power of Bitcoin in sports and local communities.
As the United Kingdom government warms up to central bank digital currencies, despite warnings from the Bitcoin community, Bitcoin could lose its foothold in the country. In this context, Real Bedford becomes an increasingly important symbol of Bitcoin adoption in the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, Real Bedford is more than just a football club. It represents resilience, rebellion, and a real-world example of Bitcoin’s potential to uplift communities. As the documentary demonstrates, the power of Bitcoin extends beyond the realm of finance, making a tangible impact in the world of sports and inspiring local communities along the way.
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