Sunderland website goes mobile first

Sunderland AFC has become the first English Premier League club to make its website “mobile first”.
Created in partnership with digital agency Aqueduct, the website now serves high definition images for all devices with retina display resolution and full HD videos.

The new platform also supports the rapid commercial development of Sunderland AFC providing clear signposting to vital revenue areas from retail, ticketing and conferencing to booking a wedding at the Stadium Of Light or a room at the Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland.

The project is in response to the changes in which fans use the club’s website, with an increasing number of fans logging on to check out the latest developments at the club using mobile devices.

Stuart Vose, Sunderland AFC’s head of digital, said: “We’re tremendously proud of the new site.

Performance across mobile devices was key to our thinking throughout the process, and the innovative way we have integrated marketing and commercial messaging means we have a truly valuable channel for everyone involved.”

www.safc.com

Sunderland’s website now has high definition images and full HD videos

Crowdfunding help for
Rio athletes’ families

US-based crowdfunding startup Dreamfuel is helping families of Olympic athletes to cover travel costs and relieving the financial burden of attending the Rio Olympic Games this summer.

It has launched the #DreamfuelParents campaign, encouraging families of Olympians to apply directly for funding support to get to Rio.

Dreamfuel CEO and co-founder Emily White said: “Every Olympics, my heart breaks for the families whose child qualifies for the biggest sporting event on earth, yet has to stay home and watch their daughter or son compete on TV.

“The funds aren’t always there for families to get to the Olympics to cheer and support their athletes in person. Dreamfuel wants to provide support along the way as much as their coaches and teammates do.

“Helping families travel to Rio with the peace of mind of watching their child compete on the world stage, without coming back to a stack of debt, is a win for all involved.”

#DreamfuelParents is open to Olympians’ families in all sports, worldwide.

www.dreamfuel.me

Families can apply for travel funding/ lazyllama / shutterstock.com

Microsoft gets Real

Spanish football club Real Sociedad has secured a partnership with Microsoft, which will see the US-based computer giant  become the club’s technological partner.

As part of the deal, Microsoft will help Real carry out an “innovative digital transformation process” aimed at improving the club’s connection with its fanbase.
According to Jokin Aperribay, Real Sociedad’s president, the partnership means supporters will be able to enjoy “unique experiences” and interact in a much more personalised way with the club while sharing their passion with fellow fans.

“We are initiating what we could call a change in culture at Real Sociedad,” Aperribay said. “We want to build a Real Sociedad that focuses on people, on understanding their motivations, identifying their concerns, meeting their needs, as people are the cornerstone of this new era.”

As part of the deal, MIcrosoft will leverage the power of big data using its cloud computing platform Microsoft Azure, offering supporters an array of personalised content.

Among the content available to fans will be statistics on the players, historical data on the club and detailed information on matches and competitions.

www.realsociedad.com

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay (left) with the Microsoft team at the launch of the technological partnership

Anti-microbial suits for US rowers

US Olympic rowers competing at the Rio Olympics will wear specially-made suits with anti-microbial features designed to protect them against water pollution in Rio de Janeiro.

Designed by Philadelphia-based sports clothing specialist Boathouse, the one-piece suits have been fitted with a layer which will assists the rowers’ movements while keeping them safe from anything in the water that could harm them.

With the Zika Virus being a concern for athletes in Rio, Boathouse has also produced a long sleeved training option which will help prevent rowers from coming in contact with mosquitos during practice. The unisuit will also provide wicking quality and venting that will prevent the material from absorbing moisture.  

Boathouse teamed up with scientists from Philadelphia University.

www.boathouse.com

The one-piece suits will keep rowers safe from water pollution using anti-microbial technology