Oxford City Stars have gone global – after broadcasting its home games live online.
Fans have been tuning in from all over the UK and overseas, after its successful launch of online streaming which was made possible thanks to the backing of three companies.
The Stars wanted to stream its home matches to help improve accessibility and provide a back up in case of COVID-19 restrictions.
It did not have the expertise or the means to make it happen and turned to some of its sponsors and partners who answered the club’s SOS call.
Oxford based sports commentator Andrew ‘Selfy’ Self agreed to provide the matchday filming, commentary and production via his online sports broadcasting firm OXSO. While the club’s digital ticketing provider TicketCo had branched out into streaming and provided the means to deliver the production online.
But the club needed a fast broadband solution to deliver a quality production. The connection at the rink was not strong enough and local IT company XTECH came to the rescue.
XTECH, which specialises in IT infrastructure and market leading software products provided a cutting edge mobile broadband solution for the club. The piece of kit, which consists of two sim cards in a portable box is used by major broadcasters like EuroSport.
Steve Thompson, director at Oxford based XTECH, said: “We do quite a bit with Oxfordshire sports, schools and charities and we’re in a fortunate position that we can help out. When the Stars got in touch, we were happy to help as they’re a great community spirited club.
“We knew making sure the stream was high quality was critical to ensure supporters came back. It wasn’t easy to get a line into the rink, so we sourced and donated a great bit of kit that provides a super quick network, with a built-in back-up, so there is always a service when they need it. Plus, the club isn’t locked into a long-term expensive contract and they can use it on the road.”
Stars’ director Greig Box Turnbull said: “The backing the club has received from our partners to make streaming a success has been incredible. Quite simply it would not have been possible without the commitment and support of OXSO, XTECH and TicketCo and our thanks go to all three.
“We thought we had cracked it when Selfy came on board, but soon discovered getting a rapid broadband speed was our final big hurdle. Thankfully XTECH stepped up and it was the final piece of the jigsaw.
“Following a successful pilot scheme, we are now confident we can provide the service on an on-going basis to supporters. It means people who can’t attend the rink can still enjoy the home matches live or on-demand. It helps make the club more accessible and we hope over time it will develop a good additional source of income. The feedback we have received from viewers has been excellent.”
