The current version of FC Liverpool is a far cry from the gloried side of the 80’s, but the club’s fan base still represents one of the biggest followings in world football.
The club recently acquired the services of highly rated German coach Jürgen Klopp to try and remedy matters on the field. They have also been busy making roadways off the field as well, and helping to connect their fans from all over the world.
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This week, the club announced a partnership with Skype that will provide the Reds’ fans with a new way to engage with their club. In fact, Skype will create new customized Liverpool emoticons that will provide fans with an innovative and fun way to showcase their support for the team. In addition, Skype will also create and launch an official Liverpool Skype ID with which fans can connect.
Supporters of the club will have to add ‘LFCOfficial’ as a contact on Skype in order to be able to participate in the group chats and other activities offered through the partnership.
Add LFCofficial on @Skype today! pic.twitter.com/FEGzMPolmL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 12, 2016
To celebrate the launch of the partnership Skype is offering a pair of tickets to the club’s upcoming game against Manchester United, their eternal rival, to those who add ‘LFCOfficial’ to their contact list, and share their match ritual with the ID on Skype.
Microsoft has been involved in the world of football for a while. Earlier in 2015, they unveiled their partnership with Real Madrid becoming their official technology partner and connecting their 450 million international fans. The software giant hopes to achieve similar success with its partnership with Liverpool, which will probably give it greater access to the lucrative English Premier League.
“Liverpool has some of the most passionate fans in the world, and Skype is excited to introduce new ways for them to come together, wherever they are.” explained Angie Hill, general manager of Skype Consumer Marketing. “Through Skype chats and custom content, we look forward to bringing these fans even closer to the action.”
Billy Hogan, Liverpool’s chief commercial officer also praised the initiative saying: “Through this partnership we’re enabling Liverpool FC’s global family to interact with the club and we’re delighted to be working together [with Skype] so closely on this great piece of innovation that our fans can enjoy every day.”
With ticket prices to games constantly rising, this represents a great opportunity for fans to connect with their beloved club in a cheap and easy way. Liverpool fans can look forward to opportunities where they win signed merchandise, match day tickets and get the chance to chat with past and present LFC players live over Skype.
Hopefully the fans will be able to use the happy emojis more often that the sad ones, but given their current inconsistent form in 2016, that’s not a safe bet.