Groundbreaking Kiwi Technology To Power Grassroots Sports

Groundbreaking Kiwi Technology To Power Grassroots Sports

Cheering from the sideline has just become easier with the release of a groundbreaking new web app allowing parents, friends and family to watch NZ-based grassroots sports games live, anywhere in the world.

The innovative Kiwi-designed app is set to change the way New Zealanders engage with grassroots sport and has piqued the interest of the country’s leading digital services company, Spark. With Spark’s support, SidelineApp will launch a pilot on Saturday 16 June as part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Super 8 Competition.

App creator, Luke Thompson says SidelineApp is all about boosting support for grassroots sports in New Zealand by empowering schools to take ownership of their content to ensure fans never miss a game.

“In the same way Uber mobilises people to become taxi drivers, SidelineApp wants to turn everyday sports fans into live sports broadcasters.

“The app offers a controlled and safe environment for schools to foster team spirit off the field by providing online notice boards, social feeds and other ‘always on’ channels through which players and coaches can communicate,” says Thompson.

The launch is expected to mark a new era of grassroots sportscasting with the single platform offering a live streaming service, live-scoring technology and a coaching and media channel.

For a small fee, supporters wanting to view secondary sports games online can pay for a ‘ticket’ which gives them access to a live stream of their chosen match, as well as on-demand access for the next seven days.

Twenty percent of every ticket purchased is donated back to the schools to reinvest in sport.

Brendon Ratcliffe, Napier Boys High School Rugby Director, and founder of the world’s largest online rugby coaching platform, therugbysite.com, says SidelineApp is an exciting opportunity for New Zealand schools and grassroots sport.

“SidelineApp ensures the school retains control and ownership of content with the ability to live stream any sport to current students, families, and supporters whilst adding funds to the school’s coffers to further fuel sport.

“The potential is limitless and will only grow in this digital age,” says Ratcliffe.

SidelineApp has formed technical partnerships with a number of global industry leaders to provide world-class streaming and security, including a partnership with leading cloud video production company, 90 seconds, and support from New Zealand’s leading digital services provider, Spark.

Spark Head of New Things Philip Ivanier said the telco was attracted to two aspects of SidelineApp’s proposition.

“Every All Black or Black Fern has to start somewhere, and like all Kiwis, grassroots sport is close to our hearts. We love the way Sidelineapp opens up the potential for a much bigger audience watching school and junior sports games anytime and anywhere.

“But it’s also bigger than that, because SidelineApp has created a content platform that can be used for a range of other grassroots community-based events. As an entertainment proposition it is truly impressive,” says Ivanier.

The technology driving the app has been tried and tested in soft launches at both CrossFit competitions and Kick Boxing Pay-Per-View events, including King in the Ring and Battle of the Fittest.

The SidelineApp pilot is available to all schools in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Super 8 Competition, and there are an additional eight places for any Auckland secondary school that competes in a national or regional tournament. Visit www.sidelineapp.co.nz to register interest.

ENDS

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