Orpington & Bromley District Sunday Football League side Benhurst United FC recently partnered with Joymo to live stream their matches over the internet. What started as a way to allow a former player who relocated to New Zealand the chance to continue watching from afar has now become a key part of the enjoyment shared by the squad.
Joymo is the fast-growing grassroots streaming platform that has announced partnerships with the likes of the Lancashire FA and the Northumberland Football Leagues in recent months.
Through innovative technology – including a dedicated recording app (Joymo Share) and an over-the-top streaming platform (Joymo Arena) – Joymo’s pioneering live video streaming platform enables players, teams and clubs, at all levels of competition, to broadcast their own matches and events directly to fans.
Joymo users can charge supporters per game, competition or event or offer longer-term “season ticket” passes, with revenues being channeled back directly to the teams and clubs.
Benhurst United Chairman, Joe Mosley, explains how the partnership with Joymo came about and why it’s now a key part of the club’s match day routine.
What inspired you to start live streaming your matches?
Joe Mosley: We wanted to be able to look back at our games and see the best goals, the chances, and where we could improve. We also had one of our players move to New Zealand and wanted him to be able to watch from across the world. We primarily use Joymo for games, but hopefully in future with specifics in training where we can highlight any issues or finer nuances of our game, for example set pieces. We have a very young squad and intend to use Joymo to look back at the game and develop and analyse our play.
How have you found live streaming your matches so far? What are the main benefits?
JM: Live streaming has been great! We were slightly nervous at the start that signal might be an issue but we have found everything to be okay on that and so we have really enjoyed the benefits. It’s been great to have friends from around the world able to watch along with the game and we have already captured some truly special moments on camera.
What have players made of having your matches filmed? Any nerves, or is everyone keen to have their best moments captured on film?
JM: I don’t think there were any nerves really, just happy for somewhere to run to when we score. We spoke to the lads beforehand and they were more than happy to get the games on film, especially if it means we can watch back ninetieth-minute winners.
Have you had any feedback from opposition players/management on the fact that your games are available live online?
JM: Not much, really; we had mentioned it to the other teams just to check they were okay with it but they didn’t have any issue with it.
Any standout moments or shockers that you are happy (or not) to have on film?
JM: We had an eighty-seventh-minute winner caught on camera against Inter Milne FC in our first game streaming. Having the lads run over to the camera and celebrate together was great to see. We’ve had some goalkeeper howlers in there too, but we try not to mention those!
Was it difficult to set up and how do you find the filming/sharing elements?
JM: Not at all! Just downloaded the app and we were ready to go. Really not much to set up at all.
Do you think more clubs at a grassroots level will start live streaming?
JM: I think so, I certainly hope so. If you love grassroots football like I do, those brilliant, hilarious moments that can’t be put into words can now be captured on camera. It’s great.
What advice would you give to clubs thinking about giving live streaming a go?
JM: Go for it! If you don’t like it you can always stop but it’s really easy and adds so much to the game.
Does streaming your games add to the overall experience of playing for Benhurst Utd?
JM: Definitely! It adds loads to the game. Being able to share the game with the world and watch it back is invaluable really and being able to have a laugh about the funniest moments with the guys after adds so much to the enjoyment.
You can follow Benhurst United’s progress and receive updates about the club’s live streamed fixtures via @BenhurstUnited on Twitter and @benhurstunited on Instagram.
For more information about Joymo and to understand what Joymo can do for your team please visit joymo.tv.