Pain Points

Discovery Challenges:

• Finding players quickly, especially on platforms less visible to broader networks, is a significant hurdle.
• Poor timing potentially prevents yielding the best results with available players.
• The lack of clear player verification and reputation systems creates uncertainty, which can deter people from joining.

Gender Issues:

• Women often face additional hurdles when joining groups, including potential concerns about safety or group dynamics – something that isn't always clearly communicated.

Need for Free Agents:

• The core problem is the need for a reliable point of contact - someone to fill in when teams or squads are at reduced numbers.

User Needs

• Reliable game discovery for subs, captains, and floating players.
• Trust via profiles, verification, and reputation indicators (especially important for women and new players).
• Reduced anxiety in joining new games (clear expectations, moderation, onboarding).
• Fast access to last-minute opportunities with real-time availability indicators.
• Support for casual, competitive, and niche player types (e.g., Luis the young prospect, Jacqueline the social sub, etc.).

Considering these points, here are some potential design considerations and strategic approaches we could take:

1. Enhanced Verification & Reputation System: Implement robust verification processes – through
   • SMS & 2FA combined to build trust and reduce the risk of fake profiles.
   • Post-match rating that allows for player skill level reporting and verification
2. Reward A reputation system that rewards positive contributions could be invaluable, but must be carefully designed to avoid creating a “walled garden.”