Most sports apps hide the real product behind a paywall. Run5 does the opposite on purpose: players and parents stay free, and core team ops stay free forever. Pro unlocks the deeper coaching layer when you are ready.
The provoke: if free cannot run a squad, it is not free
A “free” app that cannot invite a roster, post training, take RSVPs or track season fee basics is marketing, not a product. Volunteer coaches should not need a card just to stop drowning in WhatsApp.
So Free has to be real. And Pro has to earn the upgrade — live scoring, staff licence tools, finance, playbook — not nickels for every tap.
What to teach: the honest matrix
Free forever includes team home, roster and profiles, team chat, events and RSVPs, season fee tracking basics, team details, notifications, and England Basketball licence entry on your own profile.
Run5 Pro (£6.99 / month or £69.99 / year) adds Live Game scoring, Club Finance, licences dashboard for staff, Match Sheet, Playbook, season intelligence (leaderboards, hot/cold, matchup notes), find opponent / linked matches, and team directory listing.
- Players and parents: always free
- New teams: 30 days of Pro to try everything
- Upgrade path: Settings → Upgrade to Run5 Pro
- Manage billing: Settings → Manage subscription when subscribed
Full how-to table: Understand Free vs Pro. Pricing page: run5basketball.com/pricing.
CTA: Start free this week. Create the team, invite the roster, run events and fees. When tip-off needs Live Game Stats or the committee needs Club Finance, upgrade — or use the Pro trial while you decide. Get the app.