Founded in 2013, Just Play was created for everyone that kept saying: “I want to play but I don’t have a team?” Fast forward to today and they have thousands of members playing games every week at over 150 venues around Australia – how cool is that?
We thought you’d be interested in meeting David, CEO and co-founder of Just Play (and general sport extraordinaire) to learn more about what they’re up to.
Tell us a little bit about how Just Play began.
I was managing a venue in Melbourne and people kept walking in and asking to play. Unfortunately at that time the only way to get involved in competitions was to organise a team, so we were essentially turning these people away. I discussed the problem with a few friends and we decided we would try and do something about it.
How did you come up with the name?
Given that it was a completely new concept, we wanted a name that literally explained what we were offering. We don’t think you should have to fill out paper forms, search the internet for uniforms or organise 7 people to be able to play sport and figured that when you take all those things away – you can Just Play.
Before Just Play, were you always the “chosen one” to organise registrations, fill ins etc. in your own social sport teams? How did you make all of this easier with Just Play?
100%. Yes, but I also loved doing this. It started with lunchtime games at my school, then captaining a few of the social and club teams I played in and it just evolved from there. My friends always teased me about the extraordinary length of my text messages, but I just enjoy a good, organised game. When we started Just Play our vision was that it would be super easy to join, easy to start playing and that we would create and facilitate a friendly and social vibe in our teams. 6 years on we are doing this better than ever – but we’re also always looking for ways to improve our player experience, hence the new app.
What do you love most about social sport?
I love social sport, but not nearly as much as I love what being part of a social team does. It is such a natural way to catch up with friends on a regular basis, meet new friends as a player or two comes and goes each season and is also an easy way of guaranteeing at least one workout per week. All in all, it’s just 1,000 times more fun than sitting at home on the couch staring at your phone or tv.
Congratulations on the launch of the new Just Play app! Which new feature are you most excited about?
Tough question, because I’m very excited about all of it. If I had to choose one feature I would say the way every game lineup displays in real time – it’s so cool to be able to see who you’ll be playing with when you rock up to your game.
Just Play also has a brand new look. What is the story behind the new photos?
Yep, new apps, new logo and a whole new look for our brand. We got lucky with the new photos and visuals when we stumbled across Giulia McGauran’s work on Instagram. We loved her unique and super colourful style and hoped she would be interested in helping us create some new imagery for us. A few months (and a very fun full day photoshoot) later and we were blown away by the results!
What’s next for Just Play?
We’re pumped that thousands of people choose to play a weekly game with us, but we also think we’re only just scratching the surface in terms of the impact we can have. I enjoy going to the gym, taking a yoga class or going for a run as much as the next person, but I also believe that none of these activities are at all similar to the fun and rewarding experience that is being part of a social team. We want to share the fun of a weekly social game and making new friends with everyone.
Want to get involved? Just Play builds social teams from individual registrations. You can enter Just Play on your own or with 1 or 2 friends and be placed on the same team.
Check out the Just Play app – available now on Android and iOS devices.
Follow Just Play Instagram | Facebook
Keen to start playing some casual games? One Game is from the same team behind Just Play and exists to make it easy for anyone and everyone to play casually.
Check out the One Game app – available now on Android and iOS devices.
