Hashtag United news - Who are the ‘Internet Team’ ruffling the feathers of the FA?

Hashtag United have been branded as the ‘Internet Team’ by social media users for the past few years after they gained a large following on YouTube.

Since forming back in 2016, they have played in seven different countries, played in front of some huge crowds and even had some famous players on their books. 

So, the real question is, who are Hashtag United? Sports News Blitz writer Dylan Easton tells their story…

Where it all started

Hashtag United were founded by Spencer Owen, with the name ‘Hashtag United’ coming from the fact that Spencer and his friends all worked within social media at the time, with Spencer previously working for both Vincent Kompany and Copa90.

Prior to joining the 10th tier of English Football, Hashtag played numerous friendlies against sides such as Man City Staff and Copa90 whilst gaining points in their league format that mimicked EA Sport’s FIFA Ultimate Team.

The initial squad consisted of Spencer as captain, his brother Seb in attack, amongst their childhood friends and work colleagues which was then built upon as the seasons went on, with former American international defender Jimmy Conrad playing several times for The Tags.

During the initial phase of the club, Hashtag United played at stadiums such as Wembley Stadium and Old Trafford as part of partnerships with EE and adidas respectively off the back of attracting millions of views online across various social media platforms.

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A step up

After two years of playing friendly matches, Hashtag United decided to join the 10th tier of English Football at semi-professional level.

They were granted a place in the Eastern Senior League Division 1 for the 2018/19 season, appointing former Tilbury manager Jay Devereux as their first big statement as a non-league outfit.

Ahead of their Essex Senior League campaign in 2019/20, they were strengthened by winger Joshua Osude, who was given a place in the team after winning Hashtag’s academy series where they held an open competition with the reward being a place in the Hashtag first-team squad.

Through the Covid-19 lockdown, Hashtag United completed a club merger with local sides Forest Glade and AFC Basildon Women, which enabled them to have teams across all age groups as well as a high-ranked women’s side.

At the start of the lockdown season, the men’s side had just moved to play their home matches at Bowers and Pitsea FC and were league leaders at the time of the Covid pandemic lockdown.

As a result of this, promotion and relegation was decided on a points-per-game basis which ultimately saw Hashtag United promoted to the Isthmian North division where they finished eighth in their maiden season.

Where are they now?

In their most recent season, Hashtag United finished in a respectable eigth position under manager Jay Devereux and have recently moved from Bowers and Pitsea FC to Aveley, which is also the home ground of Hashtag United Women.

Hashtag United have had high-profile players on their books, including Adebayo Akinfenwa playing a match for The Tags in a pre-season match on a one-game contract.

Off the pitch, Hashtag United are a huge commercial success, bringing in millions of followers across several forms of social media.

They have attracted investors such as current Atletico Madrid defender Cesar Azpilicueta and have been sponsored by Lucozade and adidas for a number of years, continually signing new sponsorship deals across their several teams such as a recent kit deal with Hummel in an attempt to financially grow and climb the leagues.

Hashtag United are no stranger to criticism either, after the FA threatened to expel them from the football system due to their name ‘Hashtag United’. 

This is because it does not contain a name of a geographical location in which it would be called Essex United as the club are based in Essex.

In response, owner Spencer Owen used Port Vale as an example as they are situated near Stoke, with Port Vale not being a geographical location.

Hashtag have so far been successful with their name dispute and are currently gearing up for yet another promotion under Devereux.

They are continually attracting a higher calibre of player - with a current Somalian international and former Premier League defender in their playing squad.

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