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Newcastle tech firm plays key position at UEFA Women’s EURO 2017

Newcastle-based mobile and web developer Gospelware has developed an app which will play a key part in this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 fixtures.

Launched in partnership with the European Healthy Stadia Network, UEFA and the World Heart Federation, the Active Match App has been developed in a bid to encourage more fans to walk or cycle to games at the tournament which kicks off in the Netherlands next week.

Gospelware builds bespoke mobile and web applications to transform the digital presence of businesses for a range of sectors including healthcare, retail and the automotive sector.

The Active Match App provides users with maps and directions to host venues whilst detecting details of distance travelled, calories burned and details of CO2 emissions saved by not driving to the fixture.

Users can log journeys throughout the tournament to enter draws for tournament balls and tickets for the final in Enschede on Sunday 6 August.

Michael Dunn, Founder and Commercial Director of Gospelware said: “We are delighted to have worked with The European Healthy Stadia Network to design and build The Active Match App.

“The app is sophisticated in its build in that it tracks how a user gets to a venue, using GPS to determine how fast they are going and discounting any speed over a certain threshold to ensure they haven’t travelled by car when they say they are walking or cycling.

“Women’s football has risen in prominence and popularity over the last decade, but over half of women living in Europe still do not meet the World Health Organisation’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

“This app is designed to get users thinking about the health and lifestyle benefits of walking or cycling whilst incentivising them in the process.”

Matthew Philpott, executive director of the European Healthy Stadia Network, said: “We hope the app will foster an ‘active’ culture, encouraging both fans and tournament staff to make walking and cycling the default choice for all shorter journeys.”

Commenting on UEFA.com, Peter Gilliéron, chairman of the UEFA Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee, said: “UEFA is committed to helping people from all over Europe look after their hearts and lead healthier lifestyles.

“By demonstrating that walking and cycling are viable modes of transport on a matchday, we hope to provide more opportunities for fans to leave their cars at home.”

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