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You want to make sure you don’t miss any of your kids’ sport matches. Whether they’re playing soccer, basketball, or any other sport, you want to be there to cheer them on and support them every step of the way.
But what if you could also have family and friends doing the same online?
Or if you wanted to have a recorded video recording of the event?
That’s where live streaming comes in.
With a smartphone app, you can live stream your kids’ matches no matter where you are. And if you happen to be away for any reason, you can ask other parents to stream it for you.
You can be there, even when life makes it hard to attend.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to live stream your kids’ sport matches.
Requirements to live stream a youth soccer, basketball, or any other sports game
You will need:
- Reliable internet connection: LTE, 5G, or WiFi
- Smartphone Live Streaming App
- Small tripod (optional)
What internet connection do you need to live stream?
You can use your mobile’s data plan, or a stable WiFi connection.
The reason I say “stable” here is that sports usually take place outdoors, and most WiFi connections don’t have a long range.
In this case, it’s better to use your mobile data. An LTE/4G/5G connection will be perfect for this.
To guarantee a high-quality live stream, you can check the speed of your internet connection using a free tool, such as the Ookla Speed Test.
When looking at the results of the speed test, look for the “Upload Speed”, as that’s the only one that matters for live streaming. You need an Upload Speed of at least 3mbps.
Now that we tested your internet connection, let’s move on to the app you will be using.
How to choose the right app to live stream youth sports?
There are many smartphone apps that allow you to live stream youth sports matches.
Some of them are free, like Facebook or YouTube, but they’re far from private. They also come with some restrictions, it’s hard to watch for most family members, and then you need to download a low-quality copy of the live stream.
Others are premium, but they charge you for everyone who wants to watch. Examples of this are BeTheBeast or BallerTV.
What’s the point of live streaming something if you have to pay per person that wants to watch?
The best option in this case is to choose an app that you pay once. You don’t need to subscribe, and you can have unlimited viewers watching in real-time. If they missed it, they can tune in later for the replay.
This app is called YouthStream, and it offers everything you need to get the job done. Your match will get a unique website that you can share with as many people as you want, and the video will be automatically saved to your smartphone or tablet.
Using a Smartphone vs a Camera for streaming amateur sports
Both smartphones and cameras have their pros and cons.
Using a smartphone is often the more convenient option as most people already have one in their pocket. It requires no learning curve, and you can simply use an app that works just like your phone’s camera.
On the other hand, using a camera for broadcasting requires extensive knowledge, and the moment you relax and focus on the game, you will notice that the kids are not in focus.
The quality of modern smartphones is great for streaming an event like this one, and as long as you have a strong internet connection, you can just set it up on a small tripod and enjoy the game.
Newer smartphones also have features specifically designed for live streaming, such as built-in stabilizers and improved audio capabilities, which will simplify your life.
I strongly recommend using any of these tools for live streaming high school or amateur sports:
Inviting Family and Friends to Watch the Game
Now that you’ve chosen the app and the device you’ll use, the next step is to invite your family and friends to watch.
This is as simple as sharing a private link with them. You can do this over social media, sending it via text, or adding their emails manually if you want an even more private set up.
Even though it’s a good idea to let your family and friends know when the live stream is going to start, the app will automatically send them a notification when you go live.
If they missed the game, it will be online for a full year, so no excuses!
To build excitement and ensure that everyone is able to tune in at the right time, you can create a list of the people you want to watch, and they’ll be invited automatically by email.
Setting Up the Live Stream
Have your smartphone ready, it’s showtime.
A few minutes before the event starts, make sure that your smartphone is charged, your camera is free from fingerprints, and place it properly on a small tripod.
If you didn’t get one for this purpose, you could also hold the phone on your hand.. But this won’t make it a great experience for anyone at home.
You can also test the live stream before the game starts to make sure that everything is working properly. The app allows for unlimited free tests, and they’re private. This will give you time to make any necessary adjustments before the match begins.
When you’re ready, press “Go Live”. The app will give you some tips, and after reading them press the Record button on the screen. You’re live!
Extra features for friends & family
The app includes a guestbook or a chat, which family and friends can use to leave messages or talk to each other during the game.
It’s a neat feature, but you can disable it if you prefer it that way.
You can also add links at the bottom of the page, including any important information about the team you want to share. If they have social media channels, this is a great spot to add them to.
Last but not least, anyone can download the match if you want them to. Simply share the Download link when the event ends, and you’re set. Keepsakes, check.
Conclusion
Live streaming your kids’ sport matches with a smartphone app is an easy way to share their achievements with friends and family who are unable to attend the games.
You’re also getting all these recordings for years to come, which they’ll love when they grow up.
By using the right tools, you can live stream your kids’ games with confidence and ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the memories.
Give it a try and see how simple live streaming can be.
