You are in:
Find the perfect match!
Darren Irving is founder and MD of a new website – www.ukfootballfinder.co.uk – for the amateur football league. The site grew to feature more than 3,000 members in its month long infancy, and this whirlwind success is now looking for assistance from sports retailers, in exchange for some fantastic coverage
1) What is your background?
I am a working class lad from Croydon and I always enjoyed playing football, which soon turned into managing amateur league sides. Professionally, I am a graphic designer, so merging my two favourite interests was a natural progression. The site, graphically, is slick and easy to use as well as containing all the passion and perfection of a football fanatic.
2) When did you get interested in the football industry?
When I became a player manager six years ago, I took a very average 3rd division Saturday team to the top of Division 1 and to a cup final in successive seasons; this gave me a double buzz! I then started to manage teams and play for teams across the board in amateur league.
3) When did the concept for the website emerge?
It has been at the back of my mind for the last six years. Every season we heard the same excuses for players leaving teams or being unable to play,which always let down the existing side. I struggled to find new players for my team. I saw a gap in the market and decided to use my design knowledge and passion to create UKFF.
4) How does the site work?
We wanted to keep the site as simple to use as possible. Functionality is very important.We spent months researching and designing it. Registration takes a few minutes. Once logged in, the user can search for players or teams in their area using our unique search by postcode system. Players or teams can register and put down all of their credentials for those logged on to see. It is a simple and practical answer to a very serious problem and it works – there are so many testimonials on the site already, from ex-professional and semi-professional players to those who are out on just looking for a weekend kick about.
5) How successful has it been so far?
It has been amazing – we already have 3,000 members all across the UK.We have players and teams of all levels – professional players including several ex players from national sides and semi professional teams, (free agents) semi pro and park players.We have had an exclusive interview on Talksport radio with Jason Cundy and countless levels of interest from the non league industry.
6) Do you have any other plans for the site?
We are running a huge five-a-side charity event featuring several big name charities and brands.We also plan to have a junior football section.With the current problems being reported about getting children off the sofa onto the sports pitch,we feel that something like ukfootballfinder is a great way to get kids back into physical activity and help to improve their health.We are in discussion with schools about how to get a real buzz back into the amateur game and produce some David Beckhams of the future.
7) How can retailers get involved in the site?
There are so many ways that retailers who sell football apparel can get involved with the site.We are offering the opportunity to promote your business on the site in a number of packages and contra deals.We are also looking specifically for new football shirts to be provided for one of our amateur sides and will allow the chosen retailer who helps us out some exclusive coverage on the website in return. Our charity event will also need kits – any chain/independent sports retailer who feels that they can come up with goods will get banners and promotional printing on the day completely free.Now is the time to get involved!
8) Where do you see the site in the future?
We hope that Ukfootballfinder will be the number one place to go for amateur football. If it is a player, ref, coach, a new team, new kit, new boots then we hope that the site will become your first port of call.
