FCUMSN

The following is adapted from a piece written by Stephen Hoyle, the FC United Supporters Group, Branch Officer for the September issue of Under The Boardwalk Fanzine and is reproduced with their permission:

In the spirit of punk football, I am delighted to see the emergence of the FCUM Supporters Group; together with the various supporters branches that have sprung up since the clubs formation.

Despite living within a five-mile radius of Manchester city centre myself, I have always been a great believer in the often derided out-of-town supporter. They are, in my opinion, what has made the United spirit what it is. So imagine my delight that in my quest for knowledge about these branches, I have found that people all over the world have taken an interest in FC United.

We now have FC United branches in as far-flung destinations as Norway, Poland, the USA, and New Zealand. Whilst, we also can claim members in Lithuania, Sweden, Holland, the Cayman Islands and Ascension Island. It is this widespread and loyal support coupled with the local hardcore that sets United apart from practically every club in the UK, I am proud to support two clubs with such a diverse and knowledgeable out-of-town support.

In my opinion, for what it's worth, these supporters branches are vital to FC United if it is to continue to prosper. The next major challenge facing both the club, and by extension the Supporters Network, is to reach out beyond the internet into the community at large. Supporters Branches will play a key part in the transformation of FC United, from an "internet club", to a community club. We have approximately twenty supporters branches, with others forming all the time. This is phenominal for a club of our size and age. Existing branches can do their utmost to spread the word of FC United, and the FC United Supporters Network will assist every step of the way. (c) Under The Boardwalk 2005