Photo – RB Media
Author – Ben Monti
If you’ve followed Harborough Town over the last couple of seasons, you’ll know about the club’s unique connection with La Media Inglesa, the Spanish football media outlet that’s become enamoured with the Bees.
This Saturday, that bond continues to grow as more than 100 Spanish fans make the journey to the Beehive for Harborough’s home fixture against Bromsgrove Sporting. It promises to be another memorable occasion, with colour, noise, and passion filling the ground as English and Spanish supporters unite behind one team.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Carlos Falcao, Head of Harborough Town Relations at La Media Inglesa, before, but we caught up again mid-week for a light-hearted chat about what Harborough means to him and the Spanish Bees, how the friendship has grown, and what fans can expect when the Beehive turns bilingual on Saturday.
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Ben: Hi Carlos, good to see you again. Let’s dive straight in, shall we? What does Harborough Town mean to you personally?
Carlos: Hi Ben, sure, let’s go. In 2020, I promised myself that I’d do everything I could to get a job at La Media Inglesa. Back then, I was working in a bank, far from my long-term goals. After a lot of hard work and trying to better myself every day, I came across this opportunity last February, and I knew this was my time. Harborough Town gave me the chance to work with La Media Inglesa. This club gave me my dream job, but it’s also given me friends, unforgettable experiences, and a genuine connection to English football. It’s massive what Harborough means to me.
Ben: There is real connection now between La Media Inglesa and Harborough Town. When did you realise this was more than just content and you were truly part of the club?
Carlos: Until we visited for the St Ives March, we didn’t realise how big this alliance had become, and I think the same goes for the English supporters. Coming here, cheering the team and hearing English fans dare to sing in Spanish was incredible. But the best moment came after the match, what we call “tercer tiempo”, or “third half.” Everyone was drinking, singing, and celebrating together. That’s when I knew this was something real. I think this time will be even better.
Ben: When you discuss Harborough Town with Spanish football fans back home, how do you describe it? What makes this club different and unique?
Carlos: Many Spanish fans are amazed by how big this has become. Once we explain the project, more and more people join. As Ilie often says, this is a chance to be part of the English Pyramid, a local club with a global fanbase. When you visit the Beehive, you fall in love instantly, the atmosphere, the volunteers, the open doors. It’s a community club that’s grown so much since Covid. There’s still work to do, but you can feel it, this club is building something huge for the future.
Ben: Which players have stolen the hearts of the Spanish Bees, and why?
Carlos: Stevo, Riley, Rosey, Elliot Taylor, and of course Mitch Austin, they’re adored by Spanish speaking fans for their charisma and personality. And we can’t forget Liam Dolman, we call him the “English Andres Iniesta!” Also, Jutorre Burgess, because he looks a bit like Lamine Yamal! Now, then name of Dempsey Arlott-John is growing fast among our fanbase too.
Ben: We are expecting over 100 of you this weekend. How big is this Spanish fanbase now, and how quickly is it growing?
Carlos: Between Twitter (X) and Instagram, we now have 37,000 followers in just eight months. It’s unbelievable, nobody could have imagined this. We want every Spanish-speaking country to associate Harborough Town with La Media Inglesa. That’s our dream.
Ben: Football transcends language and nationality. What’s been the most emotional or standout moment you’ve experienced following Harborough?
Carlos: Probably last weekend when we equalised at Altrincham in the last minute. I was filming from the Harborough end, and it was incredible to live that moment. I also got to see Mitch’s team talk; he’s a remarkable person. He even hosted me at his house this week. He deserves so much credit for what’s happening here. I always tell people, “He’s our Cholo Simeone or Sir Alex Ferguson. He truly has the potential to take this club to the next level.
Ben: For the local fans who have yet to experience the Spanish Bees, what can they expect this Saturday?
Carlos: English fans, be ready, and expect the unexpected! We’re so excited to meet you, sing together in English and Spanish, and make it a day to remember. We’re bringing beer and Spanish food to share with everyone, another one of Ilie Oleart’s brilliant ideas. He’s the heart of this project, an incredible journalist, and an even better person. None of this would exist without his vision and persistence.
Ben: If you could describe the relationship between Harborough Town and La Media Inglesa in one Spanish word, what would it be, and why?
Carlos: That’s a hard question because no single word captures it. But if I had to choose, it would be pionero (pioneer). Because together, we’re building something that’s never been seen before.
Ben: It’s been a pleasure as always Carlos. Finally, what message would you like to send to the Harborough fans reading this?
Carlos: Thanks Ben let’s make it a fantastic day this Saturday. We all have the chance to share a great time with people we might never have met otherwise. Mitch and I are completely different as people, but from the first moment we met, we clicked. We share the same humour and have built a real relationship. It’s moments like these that create the best memories, and maybe even new friends. So come along, enjoy the day, and support the team because the best is yet to come. Vamos Bees!
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Saturday isn’t just another football match; it’s a celebration of two fanbases coming together. Get yourself down to the Beehive to be a part of something truly unique and special. Whether you are a lifelong supporter, a football fan, or a proud Harborian, don’t miss the chance to experience a non-league football match like no other. And as Carlos rightly said, Vamos Los Bees!