Why Leeds United is special to you: Fans have their say

We have reported how a quick glance at the list of nationalities represented by the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust is enough to confirm the remarkable geographic sweep of the club’s fanbase. Canada, Japan, Spain, Russia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Germany, Malta, Venezuela and even American Samoa are among the places that are home to Trust members.

As part of the coverage this week we asked supporters to answer one simple, but personal, question - why is Leeds United so special? The answers were both poignant, reflective and at times funny.

Here is what you told us via social media:

martin (@bigpaparunner)

A Leeds fan is like royalty, you can't just join you have to be born into it.

Phil THUMBS UP MAN CRESSWELL (@PhilThumbs)

Honoured to be a Matchdays Employee since March 1992,after being a Season Ticket holder since January 1968 to March 1992, thanks to my late Grandad. Leeds United is family.

Dave Cocker (@Dc03Ker)

It’s been my life since 1960, was my Dad’s life too from 1960, it’s also my grown up kids life and my 5 grandkids life (all season ticket holders)

Dr. Gary Sheard (@DR_GS_UK)

First Leeds match I saw with Dad - mid 1960's. The 'Dream Team" were playing a Boxing Day Derby v Sheff Wed. 20 minutes in - corner to Leeds - Big Jack header.

1-0 to Leeds. They shut up shop. Won 1-0 CLASSIC

Paul Herbert (@1973LeedsUnited)

Because my dad took me to me to my first game when i was 5. I took my daughter to her first game when she was 4 and my sons first game he was 4 too. It’s a club like no other, hated, adored but never ignored

Sir Ian Magee (@ian_imagee)

Because I’ve supported them through thick and thin for 60 years. Having lived through good times and bad, doesn’t matter MOT

Robert Greenwood (@bobly44)

Why is Leeds United special to me? it's family passed down from generation to generation from the moment you are born you are a Leeds United supporter follow the white gods be damned if they dislike your team, also it's in your blood yellow, white and blue

Pål Aaraas (@paalaaraas)

Special because my late brother had a scarf in his room that I got. That got me into Leeds at the age of 5. Never looked back since.

James (@longleaf_media)

Moved to US when I was 8. Soccer ball not popular. Even less when I moved to the South. Americans discover Soccer ball in 08 thanks to FIFA, we’ve already been relegated. Worse than being rubbish, we’re unheard of and I sound delirious explaining the glory days.

But this club is deeper than a sport. I keep the faith, predicting promotion every year. Thanks to the Leeds Fan Club in ATL, the bond grew even stronger. A real club, we care for and support EACH OTHER.

Now all my mates are up on Bielsa, watching or keeping up with every game, asking for my LUTV login Face with tears of joy.

They’re wearing scarves and reading the square ball. One mate is a farmer and we just named his flock after Leeds players. Muttoneuz Klich, Kalvin Phillambs, Baaablo Hernandez

Been a hell of a ride and I can’t wait to get back on!!!! #mot

Clair (@rugbyleaguelady)

It’s special to me because supporting the club has been brought through the generations of my family. Now it’s my job to keep it going and me and son continue to both being season ticket holders!

Omi Goodyear (@njmelia)

Being raised in a family that wasn't bothered about sport I discovered football through friends. My husband though is Leeds born and bred and over time I've grown to fall in love with the club - for me it's an addiction and I never want it to end.

LUFC is Life (@Carlianleeds)

Impossible answer: My club is my family, my life. I can’t choose an answer. I’m passing the question on to @ianharte23

Rob Chapers (@Superleeds01)

It’s in your blood, it becomes the everything you do and act. Plan days around games, tv matches, and any programmes Leeds related. Simple we #Mot

SUSAN SMITH 1 (@SmithLeedsUtd)

Born in Weymouth Dorset, left my family to move to Yorkshire to be near my beloved club, Leeds United is my life, love them with all my heart #MOT Blue heart

James Charlton (@JayA_1308)

From Leeds but moved house a lot as a kid. (Barnsley, Sheffield now Huddersfield). Supported Leeds proudly through it all despite the hatred many other teams fans and kids had towards the mighty whites! BUT could always find a fellow Leeds fan proving #throughitalltogether #ALAW

Michael Harley (@mikey32132)

Loads of reasons. But one aspect is the Scottish connection. Myself and many in Scotland follow Leeds because of that. In my case my first proper football started with the 1974 World Cup. To me supporting Leeds was obvious - just the same as supporting Scotland.

Keiran Hickman (@Kasper_Sickman)

It's a way of life!!

Eddie brown (@Rochdalebuddha)

One. It's the first team my father took me to watch. (aged around 5)

Two. I had my 9th & 13th Birthdays at Elland Road.

I don't need a number 3.

Lucy Jones (@LucyJones270886)

I don't know what else my dad and I would talk about!

Andrew Moore (@AndrewM34932152)

Siege mentality, we all love the fact that everyone else hates us

Dalesrider (@Dalesrider1)

It's in the blood.

andrew knight (@andrewknight151)

Born in Leeds. It was a no brainer the passion the feelings of hope, anguish, despair and love for a team who don't know me but I'll always be #lufc plus my dad said "Eddie Gray was always better than George Best" God bless you dad you were right again.

Julie Trimble (@trimble1959)

Leeds got me hooked playing football with lads in the playground around 1970

Hot shot Lorimer that was me!

Not many girls played football then, I've followed them ever since. One big Leeds family.

Peter Van Zelst (@petervz)

Only a Leeds fan knows true emotion! Earliest ever memory is of watching 1973 FA Cup final on TV. The excitement of the build up, the hotel, coach, arriving at Wembley, the game, Lorimer’s shot and then ... Even nearly 50 years later I still feel the hurt and upset. Then 1975! Contrast that with the last minute of the previous Boxing Day’s match with Blackburn, sat right behind Marcelo and the joy if that goal. Ups and downs like no other.

Rich Barlow (@Richb1169)

From Sheffield, Dad supports Sheff Utd, brother does, I’ve always said I like to be different, always get why do you support Leeds, Billy Bremner, over the years, wherever I am there’s always Leeds about, the camaraderie, would not want to change it for the world.

David Watkins (@DaveLUFCWatkins)

We don't know why! It just is! #lufc #MOT

stats © (@lufcstats)

It’s helped me become a published author.

Richard Stones (@FirstHud247)

The electrifying atmosphere makes your hairs on your arms stand up ! #LeedsUnited

Dave Bridges (@taddykabaddi)

I can't explain the feeling of following Leeds and walking down to ER to non Leeds fans they don't get it, even though they follow football and other teams. That knowing nod you get when you walk past another fan and they see the badge.

Georgina Jane Petty (@orangina17)

It's made me who I am. It's about friendship, loyalty, strength in adversity and the reason why I drink.