Can’t make it to your kids’ sports? An app could help

The Matamata Chronicle is helping get behind sport in our community by partnering with Waterboy, a new sports social app which allows sports clubs to connect with their players and fans.

The app was developed by Dunedin- based start- up Sideline Junkies, which has signed a partnership with the Chronicle’s parent company Fairfax Media NZ.

Sideline Junkies counts former All Blacks Ma’a Nonu, Kees Meeuws and Tamati Ellison and former Wallaby George Smith among its cofounders.

Meeuws helped design the app after he found it difficult to keep up with his children’s sports activity while away playing professional rugby.

‘‘Using Waterboy, my wife and other parents update the kids’ games live from the sideline,’’ Meeuws said.

‘‘ They also share updates with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter, creating this big audience for our local Dunedin rugby club,’’

It works by turning those on the sidelines into a live broadcast team.

Using the app, they can stream pictures, scores and commentary of the event they are watching.

This lets family and friends who aren’t actually there, share in the excitement of the match either in real time or on demand.

The app supports 13 different sports already including rugby, football, basketball and baseball.

More will be added depending on user feedback.

Waterboy is available as a free download for Apple devices but an android version is planned

Check out waterboyapp.com for more details.