Hashtag United are a football team based in Essex. They only formed a few years ago, but thanks to their founder Spencer FC and his team, they’ve created an exciting new club which features lots of different teams and an esports division, too. Here are some amazing facts about your new favourite team!

1. Hashtag United were founded in 2016

The team began their journey in 2016 when YouTuber Spencer Carmichael-Brown (also known as Spencer FC) created a team to play a special game in honour of a friend’s memory. For the next couple of years, the team played exhibition games and applied to become a non-league team. They become part of the Eastern Senior League Division 1 (South) in time for the 2018-19 season.

2. They play their home games in Essex

The team play their home games at Parkside in Aveley, Essex. The ground has a capacity of 3500, which includes 424 seats.

3. The team play in the Isthmian League Premier Division

Since joining the Eastern Senior League Division 1 (South) in 2018, the team have progressed through the leagues and are now one of the 22 teams who compete in the Isthmian League Premier Division, who include Hastings United, Lewes and Hornchurch.

4. You can watch them play on YouTube

Hashtag United broadcast their home games for fans who are unable to attend Parkside and members of Hashtag United’s YouTube channel can watch them on the streaming platform.

5. They’re nicknamed The Tags

You can show your support on the terraces by shouting ‘Up the Tags!’ at the top of your voice. Or even ‘Hashtag’ if you’re feeling fancy.

6. Hashtag United FC Women formed in 2020

While the team became an official side in 2020, they were originally AFC Basildon. They then merged with Hashtag United and Forest Glade, and the women’s side was born. In a short space of time, they’ve won cups and a league!

7. They have over 40 different teams

An estimated 500 players call Hashtag United their home. Along with the men and women’s teams, there are youth teams, Azheimer’s teams, walking teams and disability teams, to name but a few.

8. They’re also a world class FIFA esports team, too

While they’re carving out a name for themselves on the pitch, Hashtag United also boast some formidable players in their esports team. Past players have included Tass, Boras, Agge, Ryan Pessoa, the iconic Harry Hesketh, Shawrey and 2020 ePL Champion Tom Leese.

9. They’re training tomorrow’s legends today

Hashtag United are investing in the future by running a training academy for youngsters. Boys and girls from the age of 3 (and a half) who join Little Tags are shown how to play and enjoy the beautiful game. You never know, the next Phil Foden or Leah Williamson could be a young Tag!

10. Enjoy football social media? Then you’ll love Hashtag United!

Even if you live nowhere near Essex, you can still follow the team through their different social media platforms. It’s almost like you’re at the ground seeing the fun unfold.

11. They’ve already opened their trophy cabinet

Both the men and women’s teams have lifted several trophies during their short time as a team. The men won the Eastern Counties League Division One South in 2018–19, Isthmian League Division One North in 2022–23 and the EE Wembley Cup in 2017. The women’s team have won the Essex Women’s Cup twice, FA Women’s National League Division One South East in 2022-23, and the FA Women’s National League Cup in 2023-34.

12. Hashtag United do lots for charity

The team’s youth side have teamed up with Young Lives vs Cancer and Little Havens hospices, to help raise money for very worthy causes.

13. They have a podcast

Fans who really want to know what goes on behind the scenes of Hashtag United can listen to the team’s official podcast.

14. They’ve got an international player on their books

Hashtag United’s Sakariya Hassan has represented Somalia. The Dutch-born forward has played for AFC Sudbury, Hornchurch, Barking and Redbridge before signing for the Mighty Tags!

15. The team’s badge is the shape of a hashtag

It’s actually called an octothorp, due to its eight points and probably someone called Thorpe who coined the phrase. Whoever created it would be chuffed that it has been adopted by a thoroughly modern football team where everyone is welcome!