AIR is Streamlining College Recruiting
The FUTRSPRT Interview Series: Athletes in Recruiting Founder James Sackville
To not miss an episode of the FUTRSPRT Podcast with Bram Weinstein, feel free to subscribe here.
By Matt Bowen
Follow on Twitter: @IsItGameTimeYet/@FutrSprt
Follow on LinkedIn: FUTRSPRT
FUTRSPRT Interview Series presents conversations with some of the sharpest minds in sports tech. Leaving no angle of competition or fan experience unscathed FUTRSPRT showcases those creating the future of sports right before our eyes.
What is Athletes in Recruiting, exactly?
If LinkedIn and a Dating App produced offspring it would be AIR. AIR is a place where student-athletes can build their athletic resume, showcase their talents, and attract suitors on the collegiate level. AIR is putting the power of social media into a meaningful space where aspiring college athletes can showcase themselves for the next level.
On one hand, AIR seems like a gimmick, “swipe right to let universities know you’re interested.” Then again, it’s not a gimmick in any sense. AIR is allowing athletes to promote themselves in only a way that will provide invaluable life lessons in the (near) future. By giving the athlete the “mic”, maturity will be on display as the athlete won’t want to discourage potential coaches from their own personal brands. AIR provides a priceless lesson in self-promotion and brand building.
Also a portal for college coaches and liaisons, AIR has plenty of wind in its sails. Speaking w/ Founder James Sackville, there’s certain confidence behind the company that’s encouraging over arrogant. The company’s momentum is evidence that AIR will soon leave its mark on the future.
What does your past look like and how did AIR come to be?
As an Australian native who’d never played football until I stepped foot in the US, my past was unconventional relative to the average high school athlete. AIR came to be through looking at the market internationally and thinking the inefficiencies were just for international student-athletes, but once arriving stateside, it became increasingly apparent that the same issues were just as prevalent domestically.
Name one technology you’re obsessed w/ in your personal life.
I’m obsessed with human behavior. Social platforms have been able to harness the attention of their audience in a way that leaders of generations past could only dream of.
What’s the next feature/product to come from AIR?
Currently, AIR is just in college football but will be expanding into all 34 sports that the NCAA has to offer (both men’s and women’s) here within the next 12 months. The argument of “I didn’t get enough exposure” should no longer be a valid one.
How many users are currently on AIR and what are they asking for to be included in AIR?
AIR currently has 45,000 users in the first 3.5 months in football alone. Our users are asking for more premium features that we are improving daily!
How have you grown as a leader in the past 12 months?
As a leader, I’m a big believer that people don’t work for you but rather you work for your people. Giving them the opportunity to succeed and room to grow is a big part of what makes our team special!
In three years AIR will be known for ____?
The biggest sports network in the world.
