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