In an unprecedented move, a local soccer club has brought Bitcoin into mainstream consciousness, impacting not just their town but also the broader national understanding of Bitcoin.

In a unique exploration of Bitcoin’s potential, a soccer team supported by Bitcoin has sparked curiosity – could it truly uplift a town? In a recent documentary by Cointelegraph, reporter Joe Hall delves into the influence of a Bitcoin-backed football club, Real Bedford, on the otherwise quiet commuter town of Bedford, UK.

Well-known podcaster, Peter McCormack of ‘What Bitcoin Did,’ took ownership of Real Bedford Football Club in 2021, during Bitcoin’s peak bull run. This decision was met with mixed reactions. However, McCormack saw it as a chance to rejuvenate a football club and stimulate Bitcoin adoption in his hometown. Fast forward two years, Real Bedford F.C. has ascended in ranks, locked in significant sponsorships, and amassed a fervent fanbase locally and internationally.

As shown in the video, the team’s bright orange uniforms proudly bear the Bitcoin logo, underscoring their affiliation with the top-ranked digital currency. Before each match, Bitcoin meetups are held, and notable figures from the Bitcoin sphere are invited to participate.

This innovative approach has drawn both interest and criticism. The Bitcoin branding left some locals skeptical, while others have been more open. Hall takes to the streets to gauge the club’s influence on Bedford, revealing a mixed bag of opinions and a lack of widespread awareness about McCormack’s Bitcoin takeover.

Despite some skepticism, McCormack’s goal remains clear: to clarify misconceptions and bolster Bitcoin adoption via the football club. He views the team as a strategic platform to gradually familiarize the residents with Bitcoin, emphasizing the need for education and responsible investing. The Real Bedford website even features a counterintuitive statement: “Why you shouldn’t buy Bitcoin.”

While the football club is Bitcoin-centric, McCormack recognizes the appeal of other cryptocurrencies and related ventures:

“If I opted for a less valuable coin, I could raise a billion and catapult this club into the Premier League within nine years. I could erect a £200 million stadium. It’s an enticing thought.”

Yet, McCormack remains steadfast in his commitment to Bitcoin. With determination and the support of the Bitcoin community, he is hopeful that Real Bedford can climb up to the Premier League by the 2030s.

The documentary includes enlightening interviews with fans, locals, Jeff Booth, and Ben Arc, shedding light on the team’s journey and the transformative impact of Bitcoin in sports and local communities.

With the UK government’s growing acceptance of central bank digital currencies, potentially reducing Bitcoin’s influence, Real Bedford stands out as a beacon of Bitcoin adoption.

In summary, borrowing Barcelona’s slogan, Real Bedford is “mes que un club,” or “more than a club.” It’s a testament to resilience, defiance, and the potential of Bitcoin to elevate communities.