Fantastec is bringing global fans closer to the sports teams they cherish

Coronavirus hit sport hard, and with a slow recovery predicted, companies like Fantastec are looking for novel ways to grow global fan engagement, writes Martin Friel

The firm’s SWAP platform has signed up some of football’s biggest names, including Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Of all the things that the Covid pandemic has affected, sport seems to be the least important. Despite what Bill Shankly said, it’s not more important than life or death – that reality has been brought into sharp focus over the past year.

But still, it remains a fact that for many, watching, following, crying over and loving sport is a crucial part of their life. It acts as a distraction, a joyful break in the routine of daily life.

It’s a chance to bond with other likeminded people, to be part of a tribe and something bigger than the individual. And when much of our freedoms have been removed in the face of the pandemic, the snatching away of that regular respite has been tough on many.