Hashtag United, the Essex-based semi-professional club that began life as a YouTube football project, have formally requested to be relegated from the Isthmian League Premier Division at Step 3 of the English non-league pyramid, regardless of where they finish this season.
Founder Spencer Owen, who stepped down as chief executive in November 2025 but remains closely involved with the club’s direction, confirmed players were told of the decision promptly so they could consider their options before the registration deadline. “We are not cutting our budget and we are not releasing anyone that wants to stay,” Owen said, adding the club aims to go down competing.
The club currently sit 18th in the table with 35 points from 36 games, one point above the drop zone. Despite their precarious league position, Owen framed the step down as a calculated business decision rather than a defeat. He said moving to Step 4 would generate significant budgetary savings that would be reinvested into the club, including hiring additional staff and developing home attendances at their new ground.
The Isthmian League confirmed receipt of the written request on Wednesday, noting that final approval rests with the Football Association (FA). Under the usual procedure, a club that resigns mid-season is treated as relegated, with the side finishing fourth from bottom reprieved.
Hashtag United were founded in 2016 by Spencer Owen and entered the English football pyramid in 2018, winning three promotions to reach Step 3. They finished eighth last season and reached the third round of the Football Association (FA) Vase, but this campaign has proven far more difficult.
Hashtag United’s move is part of a broader trend this season, with several non-league clubs citing financial strain. Helston Athletic, a Cornish club with 130 years of history, also applied for voluntary relegation this week, stating that mounting costs including ground grading requirements and rising travel expenses had become unsustainable.
Owen declared in his statement: “This is not a relegation. It is a revolution.”
