Dean's website can inspire Epsom (From Surrey Comet)

Dean's website can inspire Epsom

3:46pm Friday 23rd November 2007 in

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Epsom Hockey Club's Dean Edmeades is hoping a new business idea can help inspire his side to success this season.

The 32-year-old internet entrepreneur launched website fantastar.co.uk last year, using the principles of popular pastime Fantasy Football.

The idea, which in this instance is based on the performances and results of a club's own players, has attracted over 2,000 users from teams across the country in the last 12 months.

And Edmeades, a third team regular for Epsom, believes the postive effect on the club could help his side in their push for promotion from the Surrey Open League this year after a good start to the campaign.

He said: "Fantastar is about creating good team spirit and camaraderie within the teams and clubs that enter.

"It all makes for a good bit of banter in the clubhouse. It isn't just about hockey but theoretically any sport can benefit from it.

"All the teams have to do is enter their results and the rest is computer generated.

"Our results have levelled off in recent weeks but I'm confident this will still have a positive effect on our own team this season."

Edmeades set up the free-to-use website with friend Rob Tong, who plays for London Wayfarers Hockey Club in Battersea, and hasn't looked back since signing up 100 hockey, cricket and football clubs to the game.

Once a team has entered and they post their results on the website, individual players can score points for appearances, goals scored, clean sheets, or even refereeing and attendance to training.

Edmeades has singled out his business partner's club as one of Epsom's closest rivals but, with Tong a more accomplished player, he is relieved the pair don't square off on the pitch on a regular basis.

"It's probably for the best to be honest, he's probably a bit better than me but I reckon I could take him," Edmeades added.