Ebbsfleet United The Future of Soccer?
October 17, 2009 by Jyle Dupuis
Filed under News
On April 26, 2007 Will Brooks had the bright idea of re-inventing the way soccer is managed. He started MyFootballClub.com, a site that is basically a community of fans who get together and play a fantasy soccer, except the team is real. The community of members pooled all of their money and collectively purchased Ebbsfleet United, a soccer club that plays in the Conference National League in England.
The Ebbsfleet United team celebrate their victory over Torquay United after their FA Trophy Final at Wembley football Stadium, London on May 10, 2008.
Members of the MyFootballClub.com go online and discuss the teams success and failures and votes on player positions, lineups and trades. The idea is revolutionary as it allows fans the opportunity to really be involved in their team. Normally, as you know, the decisions are made by the head coach and general managers. This new idea of collectivity opens up new possibilities for the team.
So far the success of this new program is hard to tell. Ebbsfleet United aren’t exactly at the top of their league but they do have a supportive fan base. And at the end of the day isn’t that the most important factor – merchandise and ticket sales. Members also get to vote on the type of food to be served at the stadium.
This new Sports 2.0 concept is not new, but with the help of the internet it has become a viable option to receive the more opinions. The only question that comes to my mind is the fact the old saying “too many chefs spoil the pot”. We’ll just have to wait and see what can come of this new collective competition.
Find out more at MyFootballClub.com and Ebbsfleet United F.C.
Image: Newscom
