In an era where technology enables almost everything to be accessible at our fingertips, CatchCorner is redefining how athletes and sports enthusiasts book training spaces. Known for its innovative platform, CatchCorner, often dubbed the “Airbnb of sports facilities,” is providing a seamless solution to access top-tier sports venues. With backing from Sports Illustrated and strategic partnerships like TOCA Football, the company is steadily transforming the sports-tech landscape.
A Platform to Democratize Sports Access
Launched in 2019, CatchCorner began as a solution for sports lovers who struggled to find available facilities for their games and training sessions. The company offers an intuitive app that connects users with local sports facilities, making it easy to book everything from basketball courts and hockey rinks to pickleball courts and indoor turf fields.
In the early stages of its expansion, CatchCorner faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the resilience and strategic focus of co-founders Jonathan and Maya Azouri turned adversity into opportunity. By 2021, CatchCorner secured backing from Sports Illustrated, accelerating its growth and establishing credibility in the sports-tech industry. Today, the app is operational in over a dozen cities, including Toronto, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and Vancouver, with plans to one day cover every city in North America.
Expanding Reach Through Strategic Partnerships
One of CatchCorner’s key strengths lies in its strategic partnerships with major sports facilities and organizations. Recently, the company announced a groundbreaking collaboration with TOCA Football, the largest operator of indoor soccer training centers in North America. This partnership aligns with CatchCorner’s mission to enhance sports accessibility and elevate user experience.
Through its integration with TOCA, CatchCorner has added premium soccer training venues in Illinois and California to its platform. This move not only expands the app’s geographical reach but also allows athletes to book high-quality training sessions in a matter of minutes. As more athletes and coaches discover the convenience of booking through CatchCorner, the partnership is poised to revolutionize how soccer facilities are utilized in the region.
Innovation and Value for Facility Operators
For facility operators, CatchCorner offers more than just a booking solution. It’s a revenue-generating tool that helps maximize utilization during off-peak hours. Facilities like the MegaPlex Sports Center in Homer Glen, Illinois, have already witnessed a 35% increase in revenue thanks to bookings made through CatchCorner. The app’s ability to seamlessly integrate with various pricing models, including dynamic pricing, ensures that venues can optimize their availability and cater to a broader audience.
According to Branko Boricich, the owner of MegaPlex Sports Center, CatchCorner’s integration has led to increased bookings during non-traditional hours. This means people, like restaurant employees finishing their shifts late at night, can easily access a space to play a pick-up game of basketball or hit the turf for a late-night soccer match. As Boricich puts it, “It’s guaranteed, it’s prepaid, and it’s a lot less work on my end.”
Supporting Local Communities and Athletes
Beyond its operational efficiency, CatchCorner is making a significant impact by bringing more people into sports facilities, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. The app’s reach extends to non-traditional use cases as well, including birthday parties and even creative endeavors like filming music videos on ice rinks. This flexibility has made CatchCorner an appealing option for a diverse user base.
In Massachusetts, a partnership with FMC Ice Sports has added 20 rinks to CatchCorner’s roster, further solidifying its position as a go-to platform for ice sports enthusiasts. With an ever-expanding network of facilities, CatchCorner is not just catering to athletes but is also opening doors for community engagement through sports.
The Road Ahead: Nationwide Expansion
Looking ahead, CatchCorner aims to continue expanding its presence across North America. With a solid foundation of partnerships and an ever-growing user base, the app is poised to become a household name in sports booking. As more facilities join the platform, and with its commitment to simplifying the booking process, CatchCorner is on track to transform the way sports facilities are accessed and utilized.
In a world where convenience and accessibility are paramount, CatchCorner is setting a new standard, making sports venues as easy to book as a dinner reservation. Whether it’s soccer fields, basketball courts, or ice rinks, CatchCorner is ensuring that everyone has a chance to get in the game.
