What’s up Weplay?
Arthur here from the West Coast Weplay Grassroots team.
Shannon Gillespie and me are all about connecting with folks playing sports in our community. The whole, Wherever you Play, Weplay thing!
If you haven’t yet, become a fan of Weplay Grassroots.
You can check out all the videos, photo and fun stories we’re collecting and posting from parks, rec centers, pools, courts, etc out her here in Southern California. We even share where we're going next and when, in case you want to join us.
And later this summer, we’re even going to hit up the San Francisco area for two weeks – but more about that later. We want to share some cool stuff we learned in the field this week.
Grassroots Log Tuesday – July 27th
Our first adventure took us to Fontana, CA, most well known for the California Speedway motor sport track, the area has many awesome soccer fields and baseball fields.
We decided to visit Red Hill Park, we met a father and coach named CJ. He was practicing pitching techniques with his son and his two friends. He was a little league baseball coach for two years and is now one of the more active parents on the team.
We learned a few valuable things from him.
First, he said that a common meeting place for all the parents and kids would be fantastic addition to his youth sports experience. He also specifically said he wanted (as well as the rest of the adults) a common calendar and a gallery for photos instead of having to send out mass emails.
We also discovered a new sport called Swinging, I urge you to check it out.
Grassroots Log Wednesday – July 28th
After some funny moments yesterday, we went out into the field looking for some more info, a different target market, so to speak.
Luckily we found who we were looking for: a privately contracted trainer (tennis). He said he didn't use the internet much, even for emailing the parents of his students. One thing we did learn however, was that he would enjoy a really functional group calendar feature form on online youth sports space. Organizing matches for his various players, while engaging his various athletes was really important to him.
We of course told him about all the great tools, community features and social interactions that Weplay can offer. Not to mention, we gave him a complete run down of our team calendar feature and iPhone app.
It's really nice to talk to people about Weplay, especially when you get such great feedback and response. Obviously we want to learn what folks in the youth sports environment need to make their experience even better. But it’s also equally fulfilling to see the faces of coaches, trainers and parents after explaining all the cool ways Weplay can assist them and engage every person in their sports circle and, all for free.
Oh and one last thing, so far, everyone that Shannon and me have spoken to who has a facebook account said that direct integration between Weplay and facebook would be very important to them. Good thing Weplay offers facebook connect!
Alright, we should have some more great stories and reports coming your way soon. Until then, Happy Weplaying!
Oh and in case you wanted to learn a little bit more about Shannon and me...
Arthur
I am all about having a great time with friends and family. I love being outdoors, taking adventures, and playing sports. I mainly play volleyball (Middle Blocker/Outside) and lift weights. First thing people notice about me is me height, all 81 inches of it a.k.a “6’9”. I think laughter is the cure for many things, so I keep good humor around me at all times.
Shannon
I'm a carefree all-around fun guy. I'm into many different sports, of course soccer being number one, and I'm always open to trying new things. I have a good sense of humor so when you’re around me be prepared for one joke after another, and yes, they are ALL funny. Simply put, I'm just looking to have a good time with good people.
