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The need for team management apps in the sports world has exploded in recent years, with more people than ever getting involved in sports, whether it’s youth teams, school clubs, or adult leagues. Apps like Heja have quickly become go-to tools for coaches, players, and organizers by making it easy to manage schedules, communicate with teams, and track performance, all in one place.
For entrepreneurs and businesses, this trend opens the door to a profitable opportunity. As demand continues to rise, there’s real potential to generate revenue through subscriptions, in-app purchases, and even partnerships with sports brands and event organizers. With the right features and a solid launch strategy, a sports management app can turn into a thriving, long-term venture.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to build a team management app like Heja from must-have features and smart development tips to insights on making your app both useful and profitable.
Overview of the Heja App
Heja is a team management and communication app built to make life easier for coaches, players, and parents. It brings everything schedules, messaging, attendance tracking, and more into one simple, easy-to-use platform, so there’s no need to juggle emails, texts, or calls anymore.
Key Features of Heja
- Team Scheduling: Coaches can plan practices, games, and events with automatic reminders sent to parents and players. The schedule is visible to all team members, and users can RSVP and leave comments (e.g., “running late”).
- Communication Hub: The app offers group messaging for the entire team, subgroups, or individuals, with read receipts to track responses. It also allows safe photo and video sharing for strategies, highlights, or team memories.
- Multi-Team Management: For parents or coaches managing multiple teams, the “All Teams Schedule” feature combines schedules into one view, making it easy to switch between teams.
- Attendance Tracking: Players and parents can mark availability for events, and coaches receive real-time updates. The pro versions offer attendance statistics for better insights.
- Contact Management: The app securely stores team contact details for easy coordination of tasks like carpooling or snack duty, reducing the need for coaches to manage everything.
- Child Safety: Safeguarding features ensure that adults cannot message minors without parental oversight, providing an added layer of protection.
- Free and Premium Tiers: The free version includes basic scheduling, messaging, and media sharing. Pro/Plus versions (ranging from $2.99 to $18.99 per month) offer additional features like ad-free use, payment tracking, document sharing, and advanced analytics.
Key Market Takeaways for Sports Team Management Apps
According to MarketResearchFuture, the sports management software market is projected to grow from USD 12.22 billion in 2025 to USD 19.32 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 5.22%. The broader market reached USD 8.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 12% between 2024 and 2032.
Source: MarketResearchFuture
The increasing demand for efficient team management solutions, cloud-based platforms, and advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence drives this growth.
Sports team management apps are gaining popularity for their ability to streamline operations and improve communication between coaches, players, and parents. These apps consolidate scheduling, performance tracking, payment collection, and communication into one platform, replacing traditional methods like spreadsheets and emails.
Popular examples include TeamSnap for scheduling and roster management, Spond for all-in-one team operations, and Teamworks for centralized communication.
Partnerships have also played a significant role in the market’s growth. For example, Teamworks integrates with platforms like Hudl and MaxPreps to enable seamless data sharing. The NBA has also adopted advanced shot-tracking technologies powered by Intel Real Sense cameras, further improving player performance analysis.
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A Perfect Time to Invest in Developing a Sports Team Management App
The market for sports team management apps is growing fast, driven by the rising need for digital tools that help teams stay organized, communicate better, and keep track of player performance. From youth leagues to pro teams, there’s a clear shift toward smarter, more efficient ways to manage the day-to-day. Apps like Heja stand out by making it easier to schedule games, share real-time updates, and handle team logistics all in one place. For coaches, players, and parents, these tools have become a must-have part of modern sports management.
Platforms like TeamSnap, which generated over $20 million in revenue in 2020, demonstrate the profitable potential of this market.
Similarly, SportEasy’s subscription model has earned it about $5 million annually, showing that sports team management apps can generate substantial income. This growth is not only driven by the number of teams but also by the increasing need for tech solutions across various levels, from schools and amateur leagues to professional organizations.
One of the key advantages of these apps is their scalability. After developing a core system, the app can be customized for different sports and teams, expanding its reach and boosting profitability.
As the demand for digital sports solutions continues to rise, investing in this market promises strong long-term returns and growth opportunities.
Business Model of the Heja App
Here are some of the most popular business models used by the Heja app:
Freemium Model
Heja operates on a freemium model, providing a free version of the app with basic functionalities. The premium version, called Heja Pro, offers additional features like desktop access, payment tracking, attendance statistics, unlimited admins, and document sharing. This allows Heja to generate revenue from users who require advanced features.
Financial Performance
- Revenue Growth: Heja has experienced impressive revenue growth. In 2023, its revenue reached $1.2 million, reflecting a 65.08% year-over-year increase from $700,000 in 2022. The revenue in 2021 was $72,000, demonstrating significant growth over the past few years.
- Customer Base: Heja currently serves over 140,000 teams across 50 countries, with key markets including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Funding Rounds
- Seed Round: In 2021, Heja raised €3.4 million in a funding round led by Peak Capital, with support from existing investors like Luminar Ventures, Bonnier Ventures, Inbox Capital, and Max Ventures.
- Total Funding: Heja has secured a total of $7 million in funding, including the $4.2 million raised during its 2021 seed round.
Impact and User Engagement
Heja has had a significant impact on user engagement. 91% of parents have reported increased involvement in their children’s sports activities thanks to the app. This increased involvement has led to an estimated 4.1 million additional hours of sporting time, enhancing both the team and community experience.
Development Steps for a Sports Team Management App like Heja
Building a sports team management app involves a well-structured process that focuses on user needs and functionality. Below are the essential steps for developing an app like Heja.
1. Understanding the Needs of Youth Sports
Start by understanding the unique needs of youth sports teams, where coaches, parents, and young athletes have different requirements. Conduct user research to ensure the app caters to all groups effectively, offering simplicity and safety for young users.
2. Prioritizing Privacy and Safety for Minors
Since minors are involved, privacy and safety are critical. Ensure compliance with child safety laws like COPPA (US) and GDPR (Europe). Focus on controlled communication, like limiting chats to group messages to prevent misuse and keep interactions safe.
3. Designing a Role-Based Access System
Different roles require different access levels. Coaches should manage schedules, parents should RSVP, and players should have access to events. Make sure the UI adapts based on roles, providing a clean and focused experience for each user.
4. Integrating Intuitive Scheduling Tools
Beyond basic calendar features, your app should include automatic reminders, event syncing with personal calendars, and attendance tracking. Features like drag-and-drop for rescheduling and weather updates for practices will enhance scheduling flexibility.
5. Building a Communication Hub with Boundaries
Design a messaging system that allows group chats but restricts private messaging between adults and minors. This creates a focused communication environment while ensuring safety. Coach-approved messages and structured team chats help prevent misuse.
6. Including Offline Functionality
Since youth sports events often take place in areas with poor internet access, allow offline access to key features like schedules and rosters. The app should sync data once online, ensuring continuous access even in remote locations.
7. Gamification for Player Engagement
Incorporate gamification to motivate young players. Features like earning badges for attendance or milestones can engage athletes while helping coaches and parents track progress. This makes the app more fun and interactive for kids.
8. Ensuring Scalability for Multiple Teams
Youth sports clubs often manage several teams. The app should allow coaches to easily create and manage multiple teams, including rosters, schedules, and communication. This feature makes the app scalable for both small teams and large organizations.
9. Collecting Feedback and Iterating
Once the app is launched, actively gather feedback from users to identify improvements. Regularly update the app based on this feedback to ensure it remains user-friendly and relevant to the evolving needs of coaches, parents, and players.
Cost of Developing a Sports Team Management App like Heja
The cost of developing a sports team management app like Heja depends on factors such as features, design complexity, platform selection, and the development team’s location and expertise.
| Stage | Task | Details | Estimated Cost |
| 1. Research and Planning | Market Research | Competitive analysis (Heja, Spond, TeamSnap), user interviews/surveys | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Scope Definition | Feature roadmap for MVP and future versions | $500 – $1,500 | |
| Technical Planning | Tech stack selection, backend planning (AWS, Firebase, etc.) | $500 – $1,500 | |
| Total (Research & Planning) | $1,000 – $5,000 | ||
| 2. UI/UX Design | Wireframing | Screen layouts and user flow (low fidelity) | $500 – $2,000 |
| Prototyping | Interactive mockups for feedback (mid/high fidelity) | $1,000 – $4,000 | |
| UI Design | Visual design, branding, color palette, and typography | $1,500 – $9,000 | |
| Total (UI/UX Design) | $3,000 – $15,000 | ||
| 3. App Features Development | User Authentication | Login, registration, profile setup | $500 – $2,000 |
| Team/Group Management | Create/manage teams/groups | $500 – $1,500 | |
| Scheduling & Calendar | Schedule events with calendar view and sync | $1,000 – $5,000 | |
| Availability Tracking | RSVP, real-time status updates | $800 – $3,000 | |
| Communication Tools | In-app messaging, announcements, chat | $1,500 – $8,000 | |
| Roster Management | Manage players, roles, and profiles | $800 – $3,000 | |
| Push Notifications | Alerts for events, messages, reminders | $500 – $2,000 | |
| Media Sharing (Optional MVP) | Upload photos/videos, manage storage | $1,000 – $5,000 | |
| Payment Integration (Optional MVP) | Integrate Stripe/PayPal for team fees | $1,500 – $5,000 | |
| Performance Stats (Optional MVP) | Track player stats and generate reports | $2,000 – $8,000 | |
| Third-Party Integrations | Google Maps, APIs, sports platforms | Varies by integration | |
| Total (App Development) | Cross-platform (React Native / Flutter) recommended to save cost | $4,000 – $60,000+ | |
| 4. Testing | Unit Testing | Validate individual components | $500 – $2,000 |
| Integration Testing | Ensure module interoperability | $300 – $1,500 | |
| System Testing | Validate end-to-end functionality | $500 – $3,000 | |
| UAT | Real user feedback pre-launch | $200 – $2,500 | |
| Automation Testing (Optional) | Auto-test setup for efficiency | $1,000 – $5,000+ | |
| Total (Testing) | $1,000 – $10,000 | ||
| 5. Deployment & Launch | App Store Setup | Developer accounts, app listing (text, screenshots, video) | $300 – $1,000 |
| Store Submission | Deploy to iOS App Store and Google Play | $200 – $1,000 | |
| Total (Launch) | $500 – $2,000 | ||
| 6. Post-Launch & Maintenance | Bug Fixes & Updates | Security patches, minor fixes | 15–20% of total yearly |
| Feature Enhancements | New features, UX updates | Based on scope | |
| Server & Hosting Costs | Firebase, AWS, Google Cloud | Ongoing | |
| Total (Maintenance) | Not part of initial dev cost but should be planned | Ongoing |
Developing a sports team management app akin to Heja involves a multifaceted approach, with costs influenced by various factors. According to estimates, the development expenses can range from $10,000 to $100,000.
Factors Affecting the Development Cost of a Sports Team Management App
Each stage introduces its own set of technical requirements, design decisions, and resource needs. Understanding these factors is essential for building a realistic budget and development roadmap.
Specific Team Management Features Complexity
Apps like Heja often include advanced tools such as support for multiple teams, child safety controls, and fee or payment tracking. These features require detailed user flows, secure data handling, and thoughtful user interface design. Their complexity directly affects both development time and cost.
Real-time Communication Requirements
Live messaging, push notifications, and real-time updates are key to effective team coordination. Building these features requires a stable backend infrastructure, often with WebSocket or similar technologies, to ensure messages are delivered instantly across platforms. Testing and maintaining this system at scale adds to the overall expense.
Handling Different User Roles and Permissions
Sports team apps serve a wide range of users, all of whom need different levels of access. Creating secure, role-based access controls takes careful planning on both the front end and backend. The more dynamic and flexible the permissions, the more complex and costly the development becomes.
Data Management for Sports Teams
A sports team app handles a lot of data, from practice schedules and game results to attendance records and shared media. Efficiently storing, retrieving, and syncing this data in real time demands a scalable backend architecture. Building a reliable system that keeps everything running smoothly adds to the backend workload.
Conclusion
Developing a sports team management app like Heja offers businesses a strong opportunity to tap into the growing need for digital tools in the sports industry. By combining core features such as team scheduling, real-time communication, and performance tracking, the app can simplify day-to-day management for coaches, players, and parents alike.
Beyond functionality, such an app also opens up steady revenue streams through subscription plans, premium upgrades, and in-app purchases. As more sports organizations turn to digital platforms for coordination and communication, businesses investing in this space stand to benefit from increased user adoption and long-term profitability.
Looking to Develop a Sports Team Management App like Heja?
At Idea Usher, we build smart and user-friendly sports team management apps like Heja that simplify coordination and improve team engagement. With over 500000 hours of coding experience, our team of experienced developers from top tech companies brings strong technical knowledge and real-world expertise to every project. We create custom platforms that help coaches, players, and team managers handle scheduling, communication, performance tracking, and more in one smooth and reliable app.
Visit our portfolio to see how we turn your ideas into powerful digital products.
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FAQs
Q1: How to Develop a Sports Team Management App?
A1: Creating a sports team management app starts with identifying the core features your users need, such as game scheduling, team communication, and performance tracking. From there, the focus shifts to designing a clean and intuitive user interface. Key tools like calendar syncing, real-time notifications, and score tracking are integrated to ensure the app meets everyday team needs. Working with experienced developers is essential to build a secure, scalable app that runs smoothly on both iOS and Android platforms.
Q2: What Are the Features of a Sports Team Management App?
A2: A typical sports team management app includes scheduling tools for games and practices, attendance tracking, and communication channels for players, coaches, and parents. Users can set reminders, update availability, and receive real-time alerts for any changes. Some apps also offer advanced features like player performance stats, live score updates, and the ability to share game highlights or team news directly to social media.
Q3: What Is the Cost of Developing a Sports Team Management App?
A3: The cost of developing a sports team management app depends on several factors, including the number of features, the overall complexity, and whether you’re targeting a single platform or both iOS and Android. Basic apps with standard features are more affordable, while custom apps with advanced analytics, integrations, and real-time functions will require a higher budget. Costs can range from a few thousand dollars to well over six figures for a fully custom solution.
Q4: How Does a Sports Team Management App Make Money?
There are multiple ways to generate revenue from a sports team management app. Many apps use subscription models where users pay monthly or annually for access to premium features. In-app purchases can unlock extra tools or team perks. Advertising is another option, especially for free versions of the app. Some platforms also earn revenue by offering ticket sales, branded merchandise, or charging fees for setting up tournaments or premium team accounts.
