SI Play app ushers in modern management for youth sports
Time Inc.?s Sports Illustrated Play wants to be parents' go-to source for all their youth sports needs with a new application featuring chat, schedule management, player cards, scorekeeping, maps and photos.
The mobile app is designed to allow families more control over their children?s after school activities. The app is an example of how Sports Illustrated Play is looking to become the leading source for parents, coaches and kids in sports leagues for information and management.
"This app is unique in that it's an integrated software that links to the free version of the SI play app, but allows communities to get deeper involved and hooks teams and players in a way that is unique yet extremely helpful," said Marci Troutman, CEO of SiteMinis. "Say goodbye to the lengthy call lists when a game is rained out, etc.
"Overall [the app is a] great addition for SI to build their base of customers," she said.
Mobile home run
Parents and coaches can communicate on team-related topics within the in-app chat feature that connects all team members in one message. Users can also enable push-notifications to stay up-to-date on scheduling changes or important information from management.
Members can also share photos with team members so parents that do not necessarily know each other will still have access to images taken by other individuals. The app is also geared towards empowering young players, by turning every kid into their own sports trading card.
Integration with iScore provides the app with real-time score updates and play-by-play information.
Sports and mobile
Mobile is offering sports brands a wide range of capability to help connect fans and build engagement.
For instance, mixed martial arts league Ultimate Fighting Championship created a way for fans to get in on the action through digital trading cards that are designed for a modern age via a mobile app (see more).
The National Basketball Association put the focus on stats in the latest upgrade to its mobile app, hoping to drive engagement at a time when one of its teams is close to breaking a record (see more).
"Time, Inc. launching a new mobile app for youth sport management on mobile is a great addition for community to digitize their games, knowing when players will be there by group notices sent to each players phones automatically, not to mention the weather updates for rain-outs, team picks, etc," Ms. Troutman said. "Sports Illustrated is allowing a 30-day free trial for teams to try it on for size and see if it fits into their community sports teams.
"From the SI play site, to get young players on board, encourage motivation and pride they are offering unique individual Player Cards for each team member," she said. "Player Cards connect season moments with tagged photos and player information to create a fun experience for all of the participants."