Hashtag United FC, famed for rising through the lower reaches of the English football pyramid after starting out as a YouTube channel, will battle it out with Binfield FC tomorrow at Hill Farm Lane. Both clubs have gained significant followings over the past year, with Hashtag, partners of UCFB, securing yet another promotion and Binfield reaching a Wembley final for the first time in history.
Chloe Streak, a BA (Hons) Sports Business & Broadcasting student and Marketing Executive at Binfield, tells us how she’s using the tie to promote Binfield and shares her predictions ahead of the game…
How does it feel for Binfield to be playing such a unique and nationally recognised team?
Well, funnily enough I used to watch a few YouTube videos from some of Hashtag’s squad members back in the day. With half of them being YouTubers, it will feel very strange for me to see them go from a computer screen to the pitch right in front of me.
As Media Executive, how will you use the fixture to promote the club and gain more of a following?
With Hashtag bringing in a huge following, whether that be from social media or from YouTube, this is a huge opportunity for me to get Binfield FC out there. I started planning my social media run up to the game nearly a month ago when the fixture got released, so it’s very exciting!
How do you think the publicity the game will get can help lower league football?
I think the game will bring in a lot of popularity for both sides. With us reaching a Wembley final and with Hashtag’s popularity on the pitch and also off it on the screen, I think game day will bring in a huge audience. Whether that be through admission to the game or also on our social media sites, I think Hashtag will help bring us in a new type of audience.
Given UCFB’s partnership with Hashtag United and the great story behind the club, do you feel at all torn for the fixture?
I’ve been following Hashtag United since the club was formed in 2016, so I feel like I’ve been a part of the journey since the very start. When I saw UCFB’s partnership with the club it intrigued me as I knew it would offer students the opportunity to enter the industry from a more social level, especially with the high audience and engagement levels that the club bring in via YouTube and fans. When we secured this pre-season game, you should’ve seen me – I was absolutely buzzing! As for feeling torn, my childhood club will always have my side so it’ll have to be Binfield all the way. Roll on August!
After being promoted, how confident do you feel for Binfield’s chances this season?
Ever since the season began I knew Binfield would make it – I mean, we made a Wembley final for the first time in history during a global pandemic and also got promoted! So with that, I 100% back the boys for the new season. We’re one big football family and it’s amazing to see our bond at the club get stronger and stronger every day.
What are you most looking forward to about being back at a live game?
The first football game I attended after restrictions were eased in England was Manchester City v Tottenham in the Carabao Cup Final. Although my team lost, it felt indescribable to be back in a stadium, hearing all the fans and just getting that match day feeling. A few weeks later, Binfield FC played at Wembley under the arch in the FA Vase Final so as you can imagine, it’s been goosebumps central. That’s what I miss the most, the nervousness.
Lastly, what’s your prediction for the game?
This is a hard one, for sure, as both sides have such strong talent, but I’ll always have to back the boys and say 2-1 Binfield.
