KSI's investment in Dagenham and Redbridge could soon set up an unusual neighbourhood rivalry in East London football.
The YouTuber has taken a stake in the National League South club and is now part of the ownership group at Victoria Road. His arrival places another online creator inside the English football pyramid.
That move also puts his club within close proximity of Hashtag United, a team founded by fellow YouTube pioneer Spencer Owen.
Photo by Ben Hoskins – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Hashtag United are preparing to move to the Techsoc.Com Stadium next season as part of a long-term groundshare agreement with Redbridge.
The stadium sits in East London within walking distance of Barkingside station on the Central Line. The relocation brings the club into the same area as Dagenham and Redbridge.
Hashtag United first joined the English football pyramid during the 2018-19 season. Since then they have won three promotions while building a growing presence in non-league football.
The club finished eighth in the Isthmian Premier Division last season, which represents their highest league finish to date.
KSI has agreed to take a stake in Dagenham and Redbridge as part of a wider ownership structure at the club. The move brings one of the world's most recognisable online personalities into the non-league game.
Dagenham and Redbridge currently compete in the National League South and play their home matches at Victoria Road.
KSI has already spoken about ambitions to help the club move up the English football pyramid. His involvement has also generated new attention around the team and its long-term plans.
If both clubs continue progressing in their respective divisions, the geographical closeness between them could eventually create a distinctive local rivalry in East London.
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