The questions people ask.
Short answers about how Zokko works before the tournament and when the day itself gets messy.
What is Zokko?
Zokko is browser-based software for running grassroots and junior football tournaments in the UK: fixtures, team registrations, referees and live results from one organiser desk. Only the organiser needs an account. Coaches, referees and families use links or QR codes.
How much does Zokko cost?
Zokko is free while in beta. Pricing will be set after beta testing, based on what organisers actually use. Team entry fees you collect go through your own connected Stripe account and are separate from Zokko's pricing.
Who makes Zokko?
Zokko is built by Ben Fairless and run by Fairless Finds Ltd, based in Lancashire.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Zokko is browser-based. Organisers use their account on a laptop, tablet or phone, while Tournament View, team registration, referee confirmation, Pitch View and Tournament Crew links all open in a normal browser.
Do coaches, referees or parents need Zokko accounts?
No. Only the organiser needs an account. Coaches get a private registration link, referees get a confirmation link, pitch helpers use Pitch View links or QR codes, and families use the public Tournament View.
What happens if a team drops out or the schedule slips?
Remove a team or use the rain / delay tools and Zokko recalculates the remaining schedule while protecting results already played. The organiser reviews the recovery choices before applying them.
What if the Wi-Fi goes down at the ground?
Print the pack beforehand and you can keep the event moving on paper — timetable, pitch sheets, registration list and blank tables. Zokko is designed so a poor connection does not have to stop the tournament.
Can other people help me run the tournament?
Yes. A trusted helper can use a private Tournament Crew link to review incoming scores, check teams and referees in, deal with first-aid alerts and flag operational issues without getting access to the organiser account or setup controls.
Can teams pay their tournament entry fee through Zokko?
Yes. Connect Stripe, set the entry fee and choose full payment or a deposit followed by a balance. Coaches pay from their private registration link and funds are processed through the organiser's connected Stripe account.
What happens if I close the browser?
Your organiser account saves the tournament as you work, and the builder autosaves changes during setup and matchday. You can also download a backup copy before the event.
Does it handle more than one age group?
Yes. Each age group can have its own pitches and match lengths while sharing referees and appearing in one timetable. Recovery tools can work across the whole event.
How does it decide who goes through when teams are level?
You can set the tiebreak order. Zokko can compare points, goal difference, goals and head-to-head, including a mini-league when three teams are level. If nothing separates them, it stops for the organiser's decision.
Can I send an update to everyone during the tournament?
Yes. Tournament View can carry short one-way notices such as parking changes, delays, pitch moves or presentation times once the public view is published.
What happens to my data?
Zokko does not sell tournament data or use it for advertising. The service uses providers including Supabase and Netlify, plus Stripe when payments are enabled. Read the Privacy Notice for the detail.
What about other sports?
The same scheduling problem appears in sports such as netball, hockey and rugby, but Zokko is currently built and written around grassroots football.