Starting a business is never easy, but when you mix passion with community spirit, something magical happens. Let’s dive into the story of The Broadhall Way, a business that’s not just about supporting Stevenage Football Club, but about celebrating its history and building a positive community around it.
In the beginning…
Back in August 2020, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, The Broadhall Way was born. This wasn’t just a business venture; it was a labour of love for a group of dedicated Stevenage FC fans. What do they do? They run a supporters platform across various social media channels, where they share the rich history of Stevenage FC in a fun, trendy, and engaging manner. Whether it’s regular posts about social media trends, selling fan-made merchandise through their Etsy shop, or collaborating with the club and supporters, their aim is to create a better match day experience and foster a positive Boro community.
The Spark of Inspiration
Why start this journey? The inspiration came from a surprising trend – retro football shirts. These shirts became quite the fashion statement, but there was a gap. Stevenage FC didn’t have a cotton alternative for these classic designs. Seeing this, a group of fans decided to create a shirt for other supporters. It turned out to be a hit!
Around the same time, Stevenage FC wasn’t performing particularly well, and the pandemic meant many supporters couldn’t attend games. The Broadhall Way wanted to keep the spirit alive and remind everyone why they love Stevenage FC. They envisioned an online picture book where fans could reminisce about the good times and maintain a positive outlook. As they delved deeper into the club’s history, the stories, the iconic shirts, the records, they felt compelled to share these gems with everyone.
Rooted in Community
Why Stevenage? The answer is simple. Stevenage is their local team. The Broadhall Way gives them a chance to be creative outside their day-to-day roles and make a positive impact on their community. They are deeply connected to Stevenage and want to see it flourish.
Giving Back
Community involvement doesn’t stop at football. The Broadhall Way has been actively involved in charity work since their inception. They’ve raised just under £3000 for various charities, including MIND, Stevenage Foundation, NHS, MSA Trust, and Great Ormond Street. They’ve managed this through sales of merchandise, retro shirt competitions online, and hosting Pop-Up Shops at local pubs. It’s not just about football; it’s about giving back and making a difference.
Preserving History
One of the fascinating aspects of The Broadhall Way is their dedication to preserving Stevenage’s history, especially its shirts. They have an impressive collection of over 150 Stevenage shirts, including every home, away, and third shirt dating back to 1994. Some shirts even go back to 1988, and the collection includes over 50 player-issued shirts. Their efforts in preserving this history were recognised when they were named an EFL Community Hero for their work on flag projects at The Lamex Stadium and raising funds for multiple charities.
What’s Next?
Looking to the future, The Broadhall Way has exciting plans. They aim to offer more alternative merchandise options that Stevenage FC doesn’t currently provide. They also plan to create more flags for the stadium to honour former legends and continue their regular weekly content posts about Stevenage’s fascinating history.
The Broadhall Way’s Unique Touch
The Broadhall Way isn’t just about selling shirts or posting on social media. It’s about creating a sense of belonging. It’s about sharing stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Every post, every shirt, every event is crafted with care and a deep love for Stevenage FC.
Whether you’re a die-hard Stevenage FC supporter or just someone who appreciates the beauty of football history, The Broadhall Way has something to offer. They remind us of the importance of community, the joy of shared memories, and the power of staying positive.
If you want to support their journey, you can shop with The Broadhall Way on Etsy and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Threads @TheBroadhallWay.
