Sports

How sport is adapting to the ‘new normal’ on social media – with Jonno Turner

Published

5 years ago

April 17, 2020

It’s been a long time without any live sport. Unless you’re a fan of the Belarusian Premier League soccer, you’re probably starting to miss your weekly fix of high octane, adrenaline-fueled sporting action.

But worry not! In these unprecedented times, social media means that the ‘new normal’ for our favourite sporting leagues, teams and athletes doesn’t have to be so bad.

There’s still a tonne of great content and stories to enjoy – you just have to know where to look, and who to follow. The world’s biggest sports brands, teams and athletes are changing the way we interact with our favourite sports.

We asked digital content expert Jonno Turner to give us the low down on how global sport is staying active during these unprecedented times – despite the goal posts being moved like never before.

How do you think sports brands have adapted to this huge challenge?

It differs across the board, of course, but in general, I think global sports brands have responded to the challenge well. There are many examples to choose from – but, as always, Nike was one of the first off the mark, with a smart ‘Playing for the World’ campaign. They’ve carved such a reputation over the last few decades for the quality of their marketing and this is no different – it’s like they always have something up their sleeve. They’re bold and dynamic. Probably the most impactful developments is the rise of athletes as media. With no middle men, journalists, or even club PR officials, we’re seeing some of the world’s biggest stars take their media into their own hands – hosting live Q&As, taking us behind the scenes of their day, or even sharing their workout secrets. In terms of fan engagement, evergreen content is the star of the day – we’ve seen a lot of nostalgia, replaying of old games, plus community-building activities like quizzes, fundraisers and live social. In some ways, fans have never been closer to their favourite teams and athletes, despite the lack of action.

Which athletes have made an impact during the last few weeks?

There have been a lot of viral challenges and fundraisers going around social, particularly Instagram, such as the #StayAtHome challenge which was promoted by the likes of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Paul Pogba. But one athlete that really caught my eye is NBA star Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who held an Instagram Live session with Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to help counter misinformation about the Coronavirus outbreak. It’s remarkable to see an athlete provide experts that kind of platform to his 30 million strong social media audience – and a pretty significant moment.

We’ve seen a rise in e-sports through an absence of traditional sport, do you think that it’s a breakthrough moment for virtual sport?

Well, it’s hard to say for sure, but we’ve definitely seen e-sports and gaming go to the next level in terms of mainstream attention. It’s a really fascinating time – and I do think that the relationship between e-sports and traditional sports will be changed forever, even when we get back to ‘normal’. We’re seeing e-sports on traditional broadcast channels, and across gambling exchanges. We even saw British TV show a virtual edition of the Grand National – one of the country’s most famous horse races – in early April, raising millions for charity through small bets. Digital transformation isn’t really about technology, it’s about culture… and it does feel like there’s a cultural shift in the air when it comes to e-sports.

Sports

Prep Soccer Names Saint Louis University Men’s Soccer Player Jackson Delkus as the 2024 Nationwide #1 Soccer Player for Fall 2024

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo courtesy of Jackson Delkus

By: Georgette Virgo

“Prep Soccer” crowned Jackson Delkus, a 6’0″ forward from St. Louis, Missouri, the top high school boys soccer player in the nation for 2024. The former Laurel Springs student and St. Louis City SC Academy standout earned this prestigious ranking through his skills, versatility, and dedication to the sport.

Delkus’ rise to the top spot is no surprise to those who have followed his journey on the soccer field. Last July 2024, Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer team proudly announced Jackson Delkus as part of their 2024 recruiting class. “Top Drawer Soccer” recognized him as the #1 player for the Class of 2024 in Heartland.

A Versatile Powerhouse on the Field

His versatility and record-breaking speed characterize Delkus’ playing style. Primarily positioned as a forward, Jackson Delkus excels in multiple positions across the front line, including left-wing, right-wing, and striker. His seamless transition between these roles makes him a threat to any defense.

Saint Louis University head men’s soccer coach Kevin Kalish speaks highly of Jackson Delkus. He mentions, “Jackson is a powerful attacker with incredible speed and a high work rate who can make plays in the attacking half of the field. I have watched him for most of his youth career, and he is an intense competitor who thrives under the spotlight.”

His well-rounded skill set complements Delkus’s offensive skills. Despite his natural inclination toward attacking play, he has developed strong defensive capabilities, often tracking back to support his team’s defense and disrupt opponents’ plays. This two-way play style has made him an asset to his team.

Breaking Records and Pushing Limits

As a soccer player who always strives to bring his A-game, Jackson Delkus is committed to self-improvement, as highlighted in his weekly one-on-one striker training and impressive physical achievements. He holds the freshman record for sprints at Chaminade College Preparatory School, showcasing his exceptional speed of 11.72 in 100 meters and 25.17 in 200 meters.

His December 2023 speed record of 23.4 miles per hour at Legion of Strength, a training facility frequented by professional and amateur athletes in the St. Louis area, further strengthens his speed record.

From speed, Jackson Delkus also shows his ability to score. During the fall 2021 season, Delkus’s speed and skill combination made him the top scorer for the St. Louis City SC Academy U16 team.

These feats of athleticism are not mere numbers; they translate directly to Delkus’ performance on the pitch. His pace allows him to beat defenders, create space for teammates, and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Aside from improving his speed and scoring, a big part of Delkus’ training is to develop his weaker foot, resulting in a playing style that keeps defenders guessing. “Although I’m naturally right-footed, I’ve put in countless hours to improve my left foot,” Jackson Delkus shares. “Now, most of my goals come from my left foot, which gives me a significant advantage on the field.”

The young forward has also unintentionally created his signature look on the field with his terrycloth headband, making him easily recognizable to fans and opponents alike. This trademark has only added to his growing reputation in the soccer community.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Jackson Delkus joins Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer program, expectations are high for his continued development. His combination of speed, skill, and versatility positions him as a potential game-changer at the collegiate level and beyond.

Despite his recognition and strong presence on the soccer field, Jackson Delkus remains grounded and focuses on his continued growth as a player. “Being named the top high school player by Prep Soccer is an incredible honor, but I know this is just the beginning,” he mentions. “I’m excited to join Saint Louis University and continue pushing myself to new heights.”

Delkus’ rising career as a soccer player, highlighted by his recognition as the nation’s top high school player, is a valuable addition to this portfolio and a crucial step toward his journey of playing professionally.

However, Jackson Delkus believes there’s still much to achieve. With his abilities and limitless potential, he looks forward to continuously impacting the sport today and in the future.