PlayMatch Network Ltd
Website: www.playmatchapp.co.uk
Contact: privacy@playmatchapp.co.uk

Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy & Cookie Policy explains how PlayMatch collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects your personal information under the UK GDPR, EU GDPR (if applicable), and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

1. Who We Are

PlayMatch is a UK-based digital platform designed to help grassroots and aspiring footballers showcase their skills, while enabling scouts, clubs, and agents to discover talent. We operate as PlayMatch Network Ltd, a company registered in the United Kingdom.

We are the data controller of your personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal data you provide, and some automatically via cookies and analytics tools:

a. Personal & Account Data

• Name, email address, password
• Phone number (optional), date of birth, gender, location
• Parent/guardian contact (for users under 18)

b. Football Profile & Content

• Position, height, weight, foot preference, bio
• Uploaded photos, videos, stats, or game clips
• Feedback, endorsements, or performance analysis data

c. Usage & Device Data

• IP address, browser type, device identifiers
• Country, app usage logs, session duration
• Crash reports and diagnostic data

d. Cookies and Tracking (see Section 11)

• Session identifiers
• Site behavior analytics (e.g. page views, clicks)

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data to:

• Create and manage user accounts
• Deliver services, including performance analysis and scouting visibility
• Match you with relevant clubs, scouts, or recruiters
• Communicate with you about updates, features, or customer support
• Personalise your experience and improve functionality
• Prevent fraud and maintain platform safety

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

• Consent – e.g., for marketing or cookies
• Contractual necessity – to provide the services you register for
• Legitimate interests – e.g., platform safety, service improvement
• Legal obligations – responding to lawful requests from authorities

5. Who We Share Data With

We do not sell your personal data. We may share limited data with:

• Service providers (e.g., cloud storage, AI tools, email services)
• Clubs, scouts, or agents – but only when you publish a profile or opt in
• Authorities or regulators, when legally required
• Payment processors, if you purchase subscriptions or upgrades

All third-party services are subject to strict contractual safeguards and are GDPR-compliant.

6. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred outside the UK or EEA (e.g., for cloud services). When this happens, we use:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the ICO or European Commission
• UK International Data Transfer Agreements (IDTAs)

We ensure adequate protection is in place.

7. Your Rights

You can exercise any of the following rights by emailing privacy@playmatchapp.co.uk:

• Right to access and request a copy of your data
• Right to rectify inaccurate or outdated data
• Right to delete your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to withdraw consent at any time (e.g. for marketing)
• Right to object to processing or restrict use
• Right to data portability
• Right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

8. Children's Privacy

• Users must be at least 13 years old (or local age of digital consent).
• If under 18, users must have parental consent.
• We do not knowingly collect or retain data from children under the age of consent without verification.
• If we become aware of such collection, we delete it promptly.

9. Security of Your Data

We apply appropriate technical and organisational security measures including:

• Data encryption
• Secure authentication
• Firewall and access controls
• Regular audits and testing

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Data Retention

We retain your data only for as long as needed to fulfil our purposes:

• Account data: until user-initiated deletion or 24 months of inactivity
• Uploaded content: until user removes it or is flagged for moderation
• Analytics and logs: typically retained for 12–24 months
• Legal data: retained per UK statutory timelines

You may delete your account at any time from your settings or by contacting us.

11. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enable login, navigation, and preferences
• Analyse usage patterns
• Deliver content and ads (if applicable)

We will request your consent for cookies not strictly necessary. For full details, visit our Cookie Policy.

You can manage cookie settings in your browser or device preferences.

12. Automated Decision-Making

PlayMatch may use AI-based features (e.g., performance analysis or content ranking). These systems:

• Do not make legally binding decisions
• Are designed to enhance user discovery and experience
• Are regularly tested for fairness, accuracy, and bias

You may request human intervention or object to certain decisions.

13. Links to Other Platforms

Our platform may link to third-party websites or services. These sites are not under our control, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their respective privacy policies.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in law, practices, or features.

• Users will be notified via in-app notice, email, or website banner
• Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of changes

Last updated: 01/05/2025