Meet the UK Soccer Team Backed by Bitcoin
News Publisher Feb 18, 2025 15:45
Real Bedford, a new English lower league club, has been significantly boosted by a Bitcoin investment from the Winklevoss twins. The twins, known for their role in Facebook and the Gemini crypto exchange, aim to help Real Bedford climb the soccer league pyramid.
Photo by Vikram TKV on Unsplash
The world of soccer is no stranger to multi-millionaire owners and investors throwing money at club and roster development. However, this usually happens at the highest levels and involves international stars.
Real Bedford is a relatively new club that was founded in 2002 and plays in the lower leagues of English soccer. Massive investment from the Winklevoss twins has helped the club become one of the most ambitious prospects in European soccer, and the fact that it was a Bitcoin investment added an extra element of peculiarity to the story.
Some sports teams are beginning to open up to the prospect of crypto acceptance, and crypto sports betting is an industry that has enjoyed significant growth. Sports betting expert James Briscoe explains how Card Player's list of crypto sports betting sites offers competitive odds, enticing deals, and greater access for consumers in locations with limited betting opportunities.
However, Real Bedford could be the first team to climb the soccer league pyramid to challenge other clubs that have been around for centuries.
Real Bedford and the Millionaire Investors
Real Bedford was founded in 2002 after Bedford and United and Unione Sportiva Valerio merged to create Bedford United & Valerio and took Bedford United's Spartan South Midlands Premier League place. Relegation to the first division followed in the 2004/2005 season and the following year they changed their name to Bedford Valerio United.
Another name change in 2007 saw the team named simply Bedford before yo-yo-ing between leagues for a few years. The 2022/23 season heralded big changes that saw the team become Real Bedford, win the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy, and win Division One. The following season the club welcomed significant investment from the Winklevoss twins who pumped $4.5 million in Bitcoin into the club.
This investment was followed by their second promotion in two seasons where they now play in the Southern League's Division One Central.
The Winklevoss twins are best known for their role in the creation of Facebook and the following legal battles with Mark Zuckerberg. The two focused their energies elsewhere and created the Gemini crypto exchange in 2014. The Gemini exchange was valued at over $7 billion in 2021 but has had some issues with lending plans in recent years that saw billions paid back to customers.
With the backing of American investors that dwarf Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's fortunes, the club is setting its sights high.
Co-owner and Chairman Peter McCormack has spoken of his ambition of helping the club grow bigger than closest rivals MK Dons, Kettering Town, Northampton Town, and former Premier League side Luton. The end goal for the club is the Premiership but there is still a long way to go.
A third consecutive promotion in three years would be an incredible achievement, but there would still be three promotions off reaching the football league. With a timescale of ten years set for this achievement, it is not out of the realm of possibility.
Image source: Shutterstock