This week we have Carlos the Vancouver Whitecaps fan come on to tell us his fan origin story as well as help us add another country to the list!

Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Club Overview

Vancouver Whitecaps FC is a professional soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The current club was founded in 2009 and began play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2011 as the 17th team in the league and the first Canadian team based in Western Canada. However, the "Whitecaps" name carries a deeper history, originally used by the city's professional soccer teams since 1974, including stints in the NASL, CSL, and USL.

Since joining MLS, the Whitecaps have built a strong fanbase and a reputation for developing talent and competing with intensity. In 2012, they became the first Canadian team to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The club has consistently aimed to blend local development with international signings, with a strong emphasis on youth through its academy system.

The Whitecaps play their home matches at BC Place Stadium, a downtown Vancouver landmark with a retractable roof and a capacity of over 22,000 for soccer. They have had multiple runs in the Canadian Championship, winning the tournament in 2015, 2022, and 2023, which secured them qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League.

Over the years, notable players such as Camilo Sanvezzo, Alphonso Davies (before his transfer to Bayern Munich), and Ryan Gauld have contributed to the club's growing legacy. The Whitecaps maintain a competitive rivalry with other Canadian clubs, especially Toronto FC and CF Montréal, in what is known as the Canadian Classique and other domestic matchups. As of recent seasons, the club continues to focus on building a sustainable, competitive side in both MLS and continental competitions.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

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This week we have Greg the Cheltenham Town FC fan come on to tell us his fan origin story.

Cheltenham Town FC – Club Overview

Cheltenham Town Football Club is a professional football club based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. Known as "The Robins," the club has seen a remarkable rise through the English football pyramid since 1989. At that time, Cheltenham were playing in the Southern League (sixth tier) but began a steady climb under manager Steve Cotterill, culminating in promotion to the Football League in 1999 for the first time in the club’s history.

Cheltenham quickly established themselves in League football, winning the FA Trophy in 1998 and securing promotion to the third tier (then Division Two) via the playoffs in 2002. Though they experienced relegations in subsequent seasons, the club demonstrated resilience, bouncing back to League One in 2006. After fluctuating between League One and League Two, Cheltenham faced relegation to the National League in 2015.

Under manager Gary Johnson, the Robins responded swiftly, winning the National League title in 2015-16 to return to the EFL at the first attempt. In recent years, the club has continued to punch above its weight. Under Michael Duff’s management, Cheltenham won the League Two title in the 2020-21 season—their first ever EFL title—earning promotion to League One, where they have competed with determination despite limited resources.

Whaddon Road (currently known as the Completely-Suzuki Stadium for sponsorship reasons) has been the club’s home since 1932. Cheltenham Town is known for its strong community ties, well-organised football, and consistent overachievement given its size. The club continues to solidify its position in the Football League, striving for stability and success in England’s competitive lower divisions.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

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This week it is the turn of Leeds United as I welcome season ticket holder (home & away), David onto the pod.

It was a great time to talk to him considering Leeds just won the Championship title yesterday with a very late winner away at Plymouth.

Leeds United FC – Club Overview

Leeds United Football Club is a professional football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Originally formed in 1919 following the disbanding of Leeds City FC, the club became a major force in English football during the 1960s and 1970s under legendary manager Don Revie, winning two First Division titles and several domestic and European honours.

From 1980 onwards, Leeds experienced dramatic highs and lows. After relegation from the First Division in 1982, the club spent much of the 1980s in the second tier before returning to the top flight in 1990 under Howard Wilkinson. Just two years later, in the 1991-92 season, Leeds won the final First Division title before the inception of the Premier League. The club maintained Premier League status throughout the 1990s and enjoyed a resurgence under manager David O’Leary, reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 2000 and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2001 with a talented young squad.

However, financial mismanagement and overspending led to a steep decline. Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004 and dropped as far as League One (third tier) by 2007. After several turbulent years, including administration and ownership changes, Leeds began a steady rebuild. The club returned to the Championship in 2010 and finally secured promotion back to the Premier League in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa, ending a 16-year top-flight absence. Bielsa's tenure earned admiration for its exciting, high-intensity football and strong connection with fans.

However they were relegated again but secured promotion back to the Premier league by winning the 2024/25 Championship title.

Elland Road, the club’s iconic home since 1919, remains one of English football's most historic stadiums. Leeds United has a passionate and widespread fanbase and fierce rivalries, particularly with Manchester United and historically with Chelsea. Despite recent relegation battles and managerial changes, Leeds continues to be a significant presence in English football with aspirations to re-establish itself in the Premier League.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

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