Supporting Boston United: A Comprehensive Guide for Loyal Fans

Introduction

Boston United is a beloved football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. Founded in 1933, the club has a rich history and a dedicated fan base. This guide is designed to provide comprehensive support to Boston United fans, from understanding the club's history to exploring the various ways to engage with the team.

History of Boston United

The origins of Boston United can be traced back to 1896, when Boston Town F.C. was established. The club played in several local leagues before joining the Midland League in 1919. In 1933, Boston Town merged with local rivals Boston FC to form Boston United.

The club experienced a period of success in the 1950s and 1960s, reaching the FA Cup third round on three occasions. In 1978, Boston United made history by becoming the first non-League club to reach the final of the Anglo-Scottish Cup.

However, the club faced financial difficulties in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1995, Boston United was relegated to the Northern Premier League, the fifth tier of English football.

Revival and Recent History

Under the leadership of manager Steve Evans, Boston United began a period of revival in the late 1990s. The club won promotion back to the Football League in 2002 and reached the League Cup semi-finals in 2004.

In 2007, Boston United was relegated back to the Conference National. However, the club bounced back and won promotion back to League Two in 2013.

Boston United currently competes in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. The club has a strong fan base and is aiming to return to the Football League in the future.

Key Figures in Boston United History

Throughout its history, Boston United has been associated with several key figures, including:

• Malcolm Allison (Player and Manager)
• Steve Evans (Manager)
• Lee Sharpe (Player)
• Craig Elliott (Player and Manager)
• Paul Cox (Manager)

Ways to Support Boston United

There are numerous ways for fans to support Boston United, including:

• Attending Home Matches: The best way to support the club is to attend home matches at The Jakemans Stadium.
• Becoming a Member: Members of the Boston United Supporters' Club receive exclusive benefits, including discounts on tickets and merchandise.
• Volunteering: Fans can volunteer their time to help out with various aspects of the club, from stewarding to fundraising.
• Donating: Fans can make financial donations to the club to support its ongoing operations.

Inspiring Stories of Boston United Fans

Boston United has a loyal fan base that has supported the club through thick and thin. Here are a few inspiring stories of fans who have made a difference:

• The Boston Barmy Army: This group of dedicated fans travels to every away match to support the team, no matter where it plays.
• The Boston United Supporters' Trust: This fan-owned group is dedicated to protecting the future of the club and ensuring that it remains in community ownership.
• The Boston United Community Fund: This charity raises money to support local community projects in the Boston area.

How to Get Involved with Boston United

Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to get involved with Boston United:

1. Attend a home match: Visit the club's official website or call the ticket office to purchase tickets for an upcoming home match.
2. Become a member: Join the Boston United Supporters' Club by visiting the club's website or contacting the membership secretary.
3. Volunteer: Contact the club's community department to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
4. Donate: Make a financial donation to the club by visiting the club's website or contacting the finance department.

Pros and Cons of Supporting Boston United

Pros:

• Passionate fan base: Boston United has a loyal and passionate fan base that creates a great atmosphere at home matches.
• Community involvement: The club is actively involved in the local community and supports various charitable causes.
• Affordable tickets: Tickets for home matches are relatively affordable, making it easy for fans to attend games.

Cons:

• Limited success: Boston United has not enjoyed a sustained period of success in recent years and has often struggled at the lower levels of English football.
• Traveling to away matches: The club's away matches can often be far away, which can be challenging for fans to attend.
• Financial challenges: The club has faced financial challenges in the past and has been at risk of going out of business on several occasions.

Conclusion

Boston United is a club with a rich history and a loyal fan base. While the club has faced its share of challenges, it remains a vibrant and passionate part of the Boston community. By supporting Boston United, fans can help to create a brighter future for the club and contribute to the ongoing legacy of football in the town.

Additional Resources

• Boston United Official Website: https://www.bufc.co.uk/
• Boston United Supporters' Club: https://www.bufcsc.co.uk/
• Boston United Community Fund: https://www.bufccommunityfund.co.uk/

Key Figures in Boston United History Table

Boston United Attendances Table

Boston United Financial Performance Table

Story: The Boston Barmy Army

The Boston Barmy Army is a group of dedicated Boston United fans who travel to every away match to support the team. The group was formed in the early 1990s and has since become an integral part of the club's fan base.

The Barmy Army is known for its passionate support and its ability to create a great atmosphere at away matches. The group often travels long distances to support the team and has even been known to charter planes to away matches in Europe.

The Barmy Army is a testament to the passion and dedication of Boston United fans. The group's unwavering support has helped to create a strong sense of community among the club's fan base.

What We Learn: Passion and dedication can make a difference. Even when the team is struggling, the Barmy Army continues to travel to away matches and support the team. This shows that true fans are always there for their team, no matter what.

Story: The Boston United Supporters' Trust

The Boston United Supporters' Trust (BUST) is a fan-owned group that is dedicated to protecting the future of the club and ensuring that it remains in community ownership. The trust was formed in 2003 after the club was threatened with administration.

BUST has played a key role in stabilizing the club's finances and ensuring that it remains in community ownership. The trust has also worked to improve the club's stadium and training facilities.

BUST is a testament to the power of fan ownership. The trust has shown that fans can play a vital role in the running of their club and ensure that it remains a part of the community.

What We Learn: Fans can make a difference. BUST has shown that fans can play a vital role in the running of their club and ensure that it remains a part of the community. By getting involved with the trust, fans can help to shape the future of the club and ensure that it remains in their hands.

Story: The Boston United Community Fund

The Boston United Community Fund (BUF) is a charity that raises money to support local community projects in the Boston area. The fund was established in 2005 and has since raised over £1 million for local charities.

BUF funds a wide range of projects that benefit the Boston community. These projects include youth sports programs, after-school programs, and community centers.

BUF is a testament to the club's commitment to the local community. The fund shows that the club is not just a football team, but also a vital part of the community.

What We Learn: Giving back to the community is important. BUF shows that the club is committed to giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of local people. By supporting BUF, fans can help to