How the FA Trophy ended up being a tech-fest.

On Saturday, Ebbsfleet United lost in the semi-final of the FA Trophy. Perhaps not the most likely example of Social Networking or online technology you'd spot. It was in fact a spectacular yet unsung example of web technologies combining. I won't write an essay, but here are some examples of why it ought to have been singled out as a true techie highlight.

- Firstly, Ebbsfleet United is owned by 10,000 members of MyFootballClub - all club decisions are voted on online.
- The games are broadcast live on the web to all overseas members after a deal was made with Setanta.
- At half-time, members are interviewed in a specially created broadcast room at Stonebridge Road, the stadium.
- One of the members, Nick Baggott of Navigate Consulting, contacted me on Facebook to ask for text updates on the game (he's in Argentina right now)
- In the end, he was able to watch the live-streamed game in Argentina.
- The team was selected by the Manager after an online vote allowed him to do so.
- The headline on the poster, newspaper ad and flyers for the game was chosen by members after an online pun competition.
- Dozens of MyFC members discussed the game in the MyFC chatroom, while emailing Jaiku (it's a bit like Twitter) which generated automated, free texts to members who'd subscribed.
- Dozens of members met up at the game (as they now always do!) and watched the game together, live.
- MyFC has Facebook groups publicising itself and various appeals.
- Ebbsfleet's striker, Michael Gash was purchased for £20,000, donated by hundreds of MyFC members.
- Ebbsfleet's centre-back Darius Charles was purchased after a member vote. Dozens more chipped in for a chunk of his transfer fee.

There's more too. There's a FleetWiki, where ideas are gathered and developed, the Board of MyFC have their meetings on Skype, there are Flickr groups for our photos and there's even an anti-MyFC web site for disgruntled members. It may not survive however and needs more members. I'm not asking you to join, but if you're reading this blog, I reckon you're a little curious....