A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Holmes graduate combines technology, passion for physical fitness into PickUP Sports mobile app


By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter

While teaching social studies at Gallatin County High School, Kevin Dailey saw firsthand that staying active and playing recreational games can provide more benefits than just a healthy body.

“As a teacher, I noticed patterns forming,” said Dailey, who coached cross country at Gallatin County while also becoming a certified personal trainer. “The kids that played games — whether it was football, chess, dance, or band — were happier and more confident in themselves than the kids who didn’t.”

Kevin Dailey of PickUP Sports

Combining his background in technology with his passion for fitness, Dailey decided to begin his own business that would encourage others to stay active — and happy. As a result, Dailey is introducing the area to PickUP Sports, a mobile app designed to connect individuals and businesses through sports they enjoy playing.

“Our goal is to create a happier, healthier, and more connected community through sports, games and recreation,” said Dailey, who expects to launch the Cincinnati-based business later this spring. “An easy way to think about it is ‘Yelp meets Meetup,’ but for sports and games.”

Tired of searching empty playgrounds for a pickup game of basketball? Disappointed the local baseball or softball field is deserted? No one at the tennis courts, either? Dailey believes he has found a solution.

“If an individual wants to do something active — anything from a game of basketball to a yoga class to a game of cornhole — but they have a hard time finding enough people to play, all they have to do is log into our app and see what is available around them,” he said. “If they don’t see what they want to play, they can create their own game and post it to the entire PickUP Sports community so that whenever an individual wants to play, they get to play.

“Local businesses also have a chance to partner with PickUP Sports to have their services brought directly to the consumers who will be most likely to use them. No more expensive ad campaigns or costly marketing, just an easy way to prove to everyone that your business is the best at what you do.”

Dailey grew up in Covington and graduated from Holmes High School in 2003. His experiences as a youth inspired the need to remain fit. “As a kid, I spent most of my time playing sports and games, whether it was basketball, baseball, soccer, rollerblading, or just playing around the neighborhood until the street lights came on,” he said. “When I was younger, as is the case with most people, I spent a lot more of my day active and the impact it had was enormous. That’s how I made friends, kept in shape, and built up confidence in myself. And it was just fun.”

One of Dailey’s motivations with PickUP Sports is to encourage people to stay physically fit. “The benefits of physical activity can’t be understated, and loneliness, especially as we get older, becomes more and more of a problem,” he said. “As a nation, we are overweight, stressed out, and lonelier than ever. Sports and recreation can be a way to overcome all of these challenges, and PickUP Sports is the company that is going to prove that.

“By providing an easier way for people to go out and play, we are helping Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati become happier, healthier, and more connected.”

Having reached a crossroad in his busy career, Daily chose a new path and founded PickUP Sports. “I couldn’t manage my time as a teacher, coach, and personal trainer and create this company, so I left the classroom last school year and decided to build this company,” he said. “In this time, I partnered with a friend who would develop the app while I developed the business.”

The PickUP Sports app is intended for all adults, Dailey added, as exercise shouldn’t be limited by any demographic. “When you walk into a yoga studio or step onto a basketball court, it doesn’t matter who you are or where your from, all that matters is that you are there and want to play,” he said. “That is the beauty of sports. We want to reach every person who has ever felt lonely and wanted to play, but couldn’t find anyone to play against.”

Dailey said his business is “doing a soft release for this initial launch,” but the date is not firm as of yet. “Before we have a major launch party, we want to make sure we have the best product for our users,” he said. “We plan to a big launch party this summer and are hoping to partner with a local business to make it happen.”

For more information on PickUP Sports, follow on Facebook @PickUPsportsCincinnati or go to https://pickupsports.today.


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