Smartphones and tablets have become such a big part of our lives that, at times, it can be hard to remember what life was like without them.
We use them in many ways on a daily basis, but they are particularly useful if you are a football fan. The days of relying on newspapers and TV for your sports fix are long gone, as apps allow you to access a range of content with just a few simple taps.
A key tool
Mobile apps have had an impact on the life of the modern football fan in some fairly obvious ways. You can see the latest headlines on sports news apps, while browser apps also let you visit the likes of https://www.iron-bru.co.uk/category/news/ too. Many Scunthorpe United supporters will also be aware of the EFL iFollow app. The club site outlines how it is the official app for the team, as it features elements including replays and highlights, as well as interviews and press conferences.
Mobile apps have also become a crucial part of the sports betting experience. The website https://www.sbo.net/ features a range of information about the online betting world and it discusses how its team rates the best brands out there. The site explains how they consider a range of issues, with a mobile app being a key element. They also look at things like customer support, banking and in-play betting as well.
Apps have become a key way for fans to watch the latest action. The Scunthorpe United site outlines how the iFollow app can be used for that, while many leading broadcasters also offer apps that give fans access to top live matches in a range of competitions.
Fresh hype
But, while many fans might already be aware of those examples, it is worth noting that apps have also opened some fresh avenues for football in recent years. In fact, one notable concept gives fans a whole new way to take in the action.
The BT Sport app is home to a range of functionality, but it added some intriguing new elements back in August. An upgraded Manager Mode was introduced, but perhaps the most eye-catching feature was Hype Mode. As https://www.bt.com/sport/ outlines, the concept is designed for both children and adults and adds so-called on-screen descriptions to the action. For example, player runs are marked with smoke trail graphics, while other on-pitch elements highlight information like shot speeds.
Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer at BT Sport, said that Hype Mode was a “first of its kind innovation”, adding that it would provide a “new viewing experience” for families.
Perfect pitch
Mobile apps might be bringing new elements to the broadcast experience, but they are also having an influence on football in other ways.
The Football Foundation recently announced the launch of the Power Up Your Grass Pitch campaign, which aims to improve the state of pitches across England. It has a goal to generate more than 7,000 good quality pitches by 2024 and an app has been developed to support the efforts. Called PitchPower, it lets clubs undertake their own pitch inspections. They can then submit the information and the Grounds Management Association will produce advice and recommendations on improving the pitch quality.
Elsewhere, coaching and training apps have also emerged in recent years. A notable example is Perfect Play, which was developed with Chelsea FC and launched in August 2020. The Chelsea site outlines how the app is used by the club’s own academy and explains that it analyses a player’s performance. It then develops a personal plan and features core areas, including technical and mental skills.
A clear influence
Many of us regularly turn to mobile apps for assistance during our daily lives. However, it is fascinating to consider how they are playing a major role in and around the game that we love.
Apps are clearly having an influence on football in many ways, as they are transforming how we watch the game and creating fresh approaches for stars of the future to develop new skills. Mobile technology is well and truly here to stay, so it will be exciting to see if any other innovative new apps have an impact on football in the years to come.