How Peter McCormack turns an unknown city into a Bitcoin hub

Can a Football Team Backed by Bitcoin (BTC) Really Build a City? In the latest Cointelegraph documentary, reporter Joe Hall examines the impact of a Bitcoin football club, Real Bedford, on the small commuter town of Bedford in the UK.

Peter McCormack, the renowned host of the “What Bitcoin Did” podcast, bought Real Bedford FC in 2021 during the height of the Bitcoin bull run.

While many questioned his decision, McCormack saw an opportunity to revive a football club and promote Bitcoin adoption in his hometown. Two years on, Real Bedford have progressed, secured significant sponsorship and attracted a legion of local and international fans.

As the video shows, the club’s bright orange jerseys proudly display the Bitcoin logo, symbolizing its close connection to the world’s largest digital currency. Bitcoin meetings are organized prior to each game and influential figures from the Bitcoin world are invited to participate.

Naturally, the manager’s unconventional approach has sparked both curiosity and criticism, with some locals skeptical of the Bitcoin branding and its implications. Hall asks locals in street interviews and on-field conversations how much influence the club has had on the town. Some know about the Bitcoin takeover, others had never heard of McCormack, while the overall sentiment was negative.

However, McCormack wants to clear up misunderstandings and facilitate greater adoption of Bitcoin through the football club. Rather than force the currency on the citizens of the city, he believes in using the team as a Trojan horse to gradually introduce them to Bitcoin. The Real Bedford website even includes a statement titled “Why You Shouldn’t Buy Bitcoin” emphasizing the importance of education and responsible investing.

The Trojan football ‍☠️ pic.twitter.com/fh77fufvcx

— Peter McCormack‍☠️ (@PeterMcCormack) April 11, 2023

While Real Bedford remains a Bitcoin-only club, McCormack acknowledges the appeal of other cryptocurrencies and crypto-related projects:

“If I did a shitcoin I could raise a billion and get this club in the Premier League in nine years because you have the money to do it. I could build a £200 million stadium if I had a shit coin would do. It’s really tempting.”

Nevertheless, McCormack is committed to the principles of Bitcoin. He is convinced that through hard work and the support of the Bitcoin community, Real Bedford could reach the Premier League in the 2030s.

Featuring interviews with Jeff Booth, Ben Arc, fans and locals, The Real Bedford documentary will shed light on the Real Bedford story, showcasing Bitcoin’s transformative power in sports and local communities.

As the UK warms up to the central bank digital currency – despite the best wishes of the Bitcoin community – Bitcoin could lose a foothold in the country. In such an environment, Real Bedford is increasingly becoming a beacon for Bitcoin adoption in the UK.

Related: Bitcoin football club Real Bedford FC wins the competition

In general, and to capture Barcelona’s motto, Real Bedford is “mes que un club”, or “more than a club”. It is a symbol of resilience, rebellion and a real-life example of Bitcoin’s ability to raise territories.

Magazine: Bitcoin is on a collision course with ‘Net Zero’ promises