MyLocalPitch

Trying to organise a game of five-a-side football can sometimes feel like herding cats, but a new app promises to take the hassle out of booking a venue. Billed as the Airbnb of sports, MyLocalPitch lets you search for and instantly book sports facilities based on your current location or a specific postcode.

There are listings for 17 different sports – including football, tennis, netball, badminton and squash – and each can be paid for securely through the app. An interactive map lets you explore pitches and courts in your desired location and view professional photographs before placing an online booking.

The app is well laid out and simple to use, with helpful information, such as parking, opening hours and facilities – including changing rooms and floodlights.

MyLocalPitch currently only covers sports venues in London, Dublin and Manchester, but the company behind the app hopes to expand to more cities soon.