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You are probably familiar with fantasy sports — the competitive, addicting online gaming experience that allows sport fans to interact with other fanatics. A quick synopsis: participants gather and select individual professional players; they then assemble these players to their virtual team, living out their fantasy as head coach of a team of superstars.
The teams are judged and examined through their statistical performance in real life. The competition continues as each player receives points, which are then calculated and totaled according to a roster selected by each participant.
An English soccer club has decided to bring the concept of fantasy sports into reality. What does this mean? It means there is no head coach, manager or supervisor. The team is simply run by the players and, more importantly, the fans. Cool, right? Each week the team’s fans review the team’s previous matches and statistics to determine which players play in the upcoming game. Players get graded on their performance through a point system.
In other words, the team’s fans are acting as the team’s managers. They have the power to give their input and select the starting 11 players each week based on player statistics and videos from previous matches. This concept changes the dynamic of the game by incorporating elements of reality TV voting and player analytics.
@AndrewDasNYT Here's an additional bonus goal from our last match on Saturday. Enjoy... pic.twitter.com/168OFcWoNA
— United London FC (@UnitedLondonFC) September 20, 2016
More than 2,000 people have already signed up to participate and follow the club, United London F.C. With followers from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Sweden and the United States, the fantasy/reality hybrid has grown London United's online fan base. John Frusciate, a fan who recently signed up, commented to the NYTimes: “The fans have more input than, say, at Real Madrid. Zidane isn’t going to ask you if Ronaldo should be starting or not.”
Not only does this help fans get involved, but it also helps players stay up to date with their statistics and performance. Everything is recorded online, allowing the players to display the information to a future scout or recruiter if needed.
The website also enables outside fans to vote for a captain by clicking on a star next to the player’s name. As technology improves, founder Mark North hopes to incorporate a section for fans to make in game decisions as well as substitutions. As of now, United London staff members control the decisions and practice sessions for the team.
Let’s see if this movement continues and sparks other teams to get more directly involved with their fan base. But, for now, you can follow London United F.C. and take part in the fun.
