Social Media & Sports…
Back in my day, there was barely any internet. Computers were becoming everyday conveniences, but the internet had truly yet to burst. Cell phones were barely getting internet coverage, and most people were worried about using up their minutes because they were only allotted so many during the day. Now with social media and cellphones, kids are able to market themselves, increase their value and gain recognition in ways like never before.
FlipsCored and other online film services have made your athlete’s career accessible to anyone in the world. You are able to put in the play, formation and pre snap/play reads. You can highlight yourself in multiple ways. You can make reels showing improvement, certain skills and your best highlights. You are also able to make them public or copy a link and send them to those you want to see them. At the high school level, many leagues require the use of Hudl or another service, so you are able to become a student of the game and study your opponents and your own film.
Accumulating a following and becoming and influencer are all things that are possible for your athlete thanks to social media. NIL deals and often scholarships can be influenced by the positive influence and following your athlete has developed. At the next level and beyond high school, marketability and social influence can equate into dollars via sponsorships, endorsements, NIL and even your professional contractual negotiation. Creating and fostering a positive and large following on social media can help your athlete long term.
Content creation has become the new thing. Trick shots, amazing plays and unbelievable athleticism are great ways to build your social media following. You never know what cool play or lucky shot will go viral and put your athlete in the spotlight. Like entertainers, athletes should always be filming their practices and performances to study and analyze their progress and form. This will also give them opportunities to highlight the behind the scenes work that many may not know about and find interesting. Sharing the process, not just the results, can help drive a loyal and devoted fan base.
Scholarships are being offered at all ages these days. While we may not be tracking if they truly pan out, the idea of guaranteeing the opportunity to play at the next level at any age is awesome. Sharing content, making reels and increasing your following are all ways to increase your athlete’s exposure. Colleges everywhere are having to creatively recruit and find the next hidden gem. the exposure and impact of social media can help your athlete get scholarships from places that wouldn’t have found him otherwise.
The networking capabilities are endless on social medial for your athlete. Working out with other athletes, talking sports with athletes globally, seeing techniques from all over the world and having the ability to seen anytime and anywhere by others could be considered an infinite resource. Researching depth charts openings and weaknesses in potential programs via their social media could be useful finding a school that would need your athlete as well.
Overall, social media gives athletes a lot of opportunities and the possible strength to negotiate financial gain at even the collegiate level. Your athlete’s fun videos, goofy out takes and even mistakes could be the content that gets your athlete followers. Showing that raw love of the game and gritty competitive nature is a great way to start showcasing your athlete. Have fun, be positive and let social media be a wonderful tool in your athlete’s growth.