For The Good Of The Game - Affinity Sports Brings Technology To The Soccer Field

"Affinity Sports is focused on growing the game of soccer in the USA and making technology relevant to the youth sports market," said Mark Skeen, CEO of Affinity Sports, a San Diego based firm specializing in solutions for sports organizations. "We want to bring usable technology to the soccer fields all across the country - from Massachusetts to California. That's why we launched Interactive Digital Cards - to keep our kids safer and happier," says Skeen.

Harnessing the power of technology and replacing printed player cards with highly secure, interactive digital player cards accessible on any smart phone was a groundbreaking move.

"Getting rid of paper has never been so easy or effective," says Skeen.

Player cards are issued by the State Association for identification and are used by referees to verify a player's identity. What happens when the player cards are missing or stolen? In today's modern age, one would think they could be replaced easily or player IDs could be confirmed electronically — but you would be wrong. 

"Our player cards were stolen out of my car and my son's San Diego Soccer Club team had to forfeit their soccer match in US Youth Soccer's Cal South State Cup," says Karen Kusunoki, a former soccer team manager. "The boys were devastated. Without the player cards, our team was not allowed to continue in the competition. I am still upset. Who knows - the team could have been State Champions."

With Affinity Sports' Digital Cards, this heartbreak will be avoided and teams will no longer have to forfeit games because of missing, lost or stolen paper player cards.

"Being responsible for those player cards is a huge responsibility and anything can happen to them or to the person carrying them. If the information is accessible online, there won't be any more problems with lost, stolen, or forgotten cards," says Kusunoki. "Relying on paper cards is not fair to the kids. We all use our phones to check in at the airport for a flight. Don't our kids deserve the same option?"

"Forfeiting a game because of missing player cards is a nightmare that can be avoided," says Bob Turner, President of San Diego Presidio Soccer League. "We want to let games go on and have the kids play, so why not let technology save the day? We will be using the Digital Cards this fall in the San Diego Development Academy and Presidio Soccer League."

"Historically, the player cards have always been a source of terror for the managers. The loss of these cards can result in a player or an entire team being unable to play. The new digital player cards will make every manager's life easier," says Denyce Cooper, President of Escondido Soccer Club. "This new option is sure to be a hit!"

"Affinity Sports leads the country with innovative and practical solutions," says Brian Smith, President of Utah Youth Soccer Association. "Utah Youth Soccer Association gave up paper player cards years ago and uses Affinity Sports — and all Utah players use online registration. We collected $500,000 more in registration fees using Affinity Sports."

"Affinity Sports has risen to the top of the industry with their new digital player cards," says Desia Bramel, Manager of Registration Services for Oregon Youth Soccer Association. "Affinity Sports already has the strongest technology-based online registration software on the market today — we have worked with them since 2009. I can't tell you how many hours it has saved us. And, their outstanding service gives the State the feeling of absolute comfort."

"We have helped thousands of administrators, as well as millions of volunteers, enjoy more time for the sport they love. No one volunteers to help register players and chooses to be buried in paper work, just like kids don't show up to a game to be turned away because the match was forfeited, due to no one embracing technology and making it usable on the soccer field," said Skeen. "We wanted to do more than just offer the most flexible and responsive online registration solution - and we have."

"Why are we using Digital Cards? Because they are awesome! It is fabulous to be able to check-in players with your phone and not have to worry about printing a game report or looking for those laminated player cards," said Turner. 

Simply put, Kusunoki says, "Hooray for digital cards!"

About Affinity Sports

Software and technology solutions from Affinity Sports, the leader in sports business applications.

Affinity Sports is the largest and most successful integrated software service provider to state youth and adult soccer associations in the USA. Providing the best-of-market advantages and comprehensive business solutions, Affinity Sports helps more than 1.2 million players, including 15 U.S. Youth Soccer State Associations, 7 US Adult Soccer State Associations, 250,000 administrators, 4,500 leagues and clubs take advantage of powerful technology. Launched in 2002, Affinity Sports was established to develop an enterprise class, secure digital platform for the nonprofit sports association market. Affinity Sports has invested over $10mm in continuous, customer-driven innovation and is the gold standard for sports association membership engagement and management.

Affinity Sports' Affinity Advantage program takes the next step to help grow the game of soccer with best-of-breed services and products for users.

For more information, photos and interviews please contact:
Andrea Garcia
Affinity Advantage Communications Manager
Direct: 619.207.2603 | Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Affinity Sports