HomeNFLMeet the Sunday League side known as 'English Galatasaray' taking online by...

Meet the Sunday League side known as ‘English Galatasaray’ taking online by storm

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Real Suffolk Football Club, a club based on the outskirts of Ipswich, was founded during Covid, and has grown significantly over the past few seasons.

The club films all games for YouTube to promote the good side of Sunday League football, using Veo Football camera technology.

But what also sets it aside from many clubs is a supportive sponsor that pays for everything, high end cameras capturing every moment, and a strong following of fans abroad. 

Ipswich Star: Vice captain Jordan ClarkeVice captain Jordan Clarke (Image: Real Suffolk)

Ipswich Star: Max Poole, top goalscorer at the clubMax Poole, top goalscorer at the club (Image: Real Suffolk)

They are known as the English Galatasaray, due to the club colours, and as such, the club has grown a strong following in Turkey.

The club will translate its Facebook posts into Turkish for those fans.

Turkish businessman Ulas Atay is heavily involved in the club with his company Reina Radiators acting as sponsor. 

The business owns companies in Turkey and England, including Atay Global which is based in Halstead.

Mr Atay also provides money so that none of the players have to pay to play and funds the club.

Ipswich Star: Captain of the club, Steven CraneCaptain of the club, Steven Crane (Image: Real Suffolk)

Ipswich Star: Chris Parker playing for Real SuffolkChris Parker playing for Real Suffolk (Image: Real Suffolk)

Chris Cook, founder of the club and manager, said: “It’s all kicked off.

“They love their football out there, I went over and told someone about the club and they said they followed the team.

“I get daily messages from people in Turkey offering to do translations and do things for the club.

Ipswich Star: Sam Garwood for the clubSam Garwood for the club (Image: Real Suffolk)

Ipswich Star: Carnell DinesCarnell Dines (Image: Real Suffolk)

“Ulas is great too, he is well connected and does a lot for us.”

The club has thousands of followers across social media, so much so, they are even seeking to stream their games live from next season.

“Sunday League has gone down hill a bit. When I used to play there were 13 odd divisions, now there are three” added Mr Cook.

Ipswich Star: 19-year-old Seb Goodhand playing for Real Suffolk19-year-old Seb Goodhand playing for Real Suffolk (Image: Real Suffolk)

Ipswich Star: Isaac Daniels playing for Real SuffolkIsaac Daniels playing for Real Suffolk (Image: Real Suffolk)

“I think part of that is the stereotypical Sunday League football of just kick it and cause fights and things.

“We don’t show that, we want to be a good advert for Sunday League and we want people to enjoy the club.”

 

 

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