hackmcfc — hacking the hackathon
I’ve seen a billion attempts at hackathons since I’ve worked in sportsdata. From what I’ve seen #HackMCFC seems miles better than any of them https://twitter.com/@Banouby
On the eve of the Manchester derby we thought it was about time to drop a line about our recent world’s first hackathon using Premiership football data. Along with Manchester City FC, Opta & Chyronhego, Play delivered hackmcfc.co.uk. Not just any old hackathon but what has been regarded as one of the best, a game changer in the world of hackathons. Thanks to our more than generous hosts we had an amazing venue, food, prizes and weekend overall. It was also a first for a lot of us, partners & participants included. To assist the guided hack stream Play delivered, we used our ‘Playbook’ — a tried and tested design methodology to ensure effective & quick orientation of the data for ideation & prototyping.
We were first set the challenge a couple of months ago. We wanted to raise the bar and design an amazing hackathon not only for seasoned hackers but it was just as important that we could offer a platform for hackathon newcomers too. This vision very much chimed with City Football Services core pillars of inclusivity and teamwork.
In the months leading up to the hackathon we came together, met frequently, overcame obstacles and changed tack when we needed to. We took great care in our recruitment process to find the brightest and best individuals from a variety of disciplines to make up the teams. We are all strong believers that the best ideas are generated by diverse team members all offering their own insight and expertise.
There were some pillars that were immovable and for good reasons too. One exciting dynamic was that, for some attendees, this was their first ever hackathon, author included. So whilst we checked in with our seasoned hackathon expertise “what was normal/typical” for a hackathon this was absolutely not a hindrance. “Why not?” was the attitude and how refreshing that was.
The beating heart of this journey was everyone’s commitment to create and deliver an experience that no one would forget. This commitment was what got us over the line. We all knew we were trying to pull something off that had not been done before.
So did it work?
Yes it did… although first go you never get everything right and we’ve taken a heap of feedback, here are the biggest wins in no particular order:
Slack for pre hackathon warming, intro’s, polling, community building, post event comedown & hackathon alumni was invaluable. Without slack it would have been a very difficult experience. Slack take a bow!
The “why not” attitude, of everyone, organisers, hosts and participants. The teams were under heavy time pressure and produced some truly wonderful work. In particular the breakout 1 hour spot challenges were inspiring. Teams were formed, they ideated, prototyped & pitched some very good physical products in just 60 mins. Their supporting tools being cardboard, play doh & markers.
Another amazing experience was the accessible (or blind) football training for a multidisciplinary hackathon this was the ideal catalyst for team building and bonding.
And last, but certainly not least, the participants were all fabulous. From the seasoned veteran hackers to complete newbies, they all made each other welcome and from early on in the first evening it was clear what a special bunch they were, it was great to meet everyone. The whole team at Play is looking forward to seeing what comes next. A belated thank you to all involved. We are not ashamed to say when participants went up on stage to deliver their presentations our hearts were in our mouth, they blew us away with what they achieved both with the data and as a team.
We are humbled but enough of this, well done to all involved!
Reflecting back, I think @aplaything and @ManCity were not just hosting us, they were cheering all of us every step of the way #HackMCFC
