How Online Platforms Have Helped Foster New Supporters for Football Teams
If Welcome to Wrexham has taught us anything, it’s that football teams don’t have to be playing particularly well – or existing in the best league – to garner a huge amount of support.
As soon as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney decided to take over the club, there was a significant amount of news coverage, including a dedicated Netflix documentary, all of which worked to foster new support for the team and eventually drive them on to achieve glory.
This is not a new phenomenon, of course. Over the last decade, football teams have been earning new supporters away from the field, with numerous online platforms working to introduce people to them and cultivate a new fandom. Let’s take a look at these online platforms, how they help, and what motivates people to take the leap from passive observer to full-on supporter.
The Gaming Industry
One factor influencing the popularity of football teams has been the gaming industry. We’re not talking about the big franchise games like FIFA or EA Sports FC as those are usually bought and played by people who are already fans. Instead, we’re talking about online platforms, specifically in the iGaming industry, which use the sport of football as a key theme.
Despite not being a dedicated sporting platform, a variety of slots on Royal Panda revolve around football, including Football Star Deluxe, Football Scratch, and FootballX, and the same can be said for several other gaming platforms.
This has introduced non-fans to the game in a natural, engaging way, creating an environment where players can interact with football-themed content, learn about the sport, and become more familiar with it in a casual setting. This can spark curiosity and inspire them to engage further. Many people will go on to become supporters of their local team as a result.
The Social Media Space
Other platforms that have had a big impact in attracting support for football teams include social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. In a more direct way than the gaming space, social media has become a crucial tool for football teams looking to engage with existing fans and attract new ones.
Whether it’s on TikTok or elsewhere, social media platforms allow clubs to share highlights, behind-the-scenes content, player interactions, and fan-centric material that brings the sport to life in a way that traditional media cannot. They also offer interactive elements, including live streams, polls, and direct communication with players, helping to foster a sense of community and inclusivity.
The Streaming Service Revolution
Gaming platforms and social media networks have been crucial in fostering new supporters, but perhaps above all else, the rise in streaming platforms has been a major contributor to teams building their fan bases. YouTube, for example, has enabled teams to share match highlights, full-game replays, player interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries.
Platforms such as Twitch have also begun broadcasting live football events, including live commentary and fan interaction, while podcasts have been important in providing fans with more casual, genuine discussions about football, including analysis, team talks, and looks at the legends of soccer.
In 2025, there are more avenues than ever for football teams to boost their brand. In the past, this could only really be achieved in two ways: via television or radio, and the live stadium experience. This made it hard for football teams, especially lesser-known ones, to attract new fans, grow, and challenge at the top level.
Now, however, that’s a thing of the past. Through the streaming service revolution – and the impact of other online platforms mentioned earlier – the door is being held open for teams around the world to welcome new support.
The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.