Tega Cay is known for its vibrant community and active lifestyle, but even in such a welcoming place, forging new connections as adults can sometimes be a challenge. Enter Bryan Kaplan, a local resident who has taken this challenge head-on with the launch of his new startup, VRV Athletics. This innovative, free social app is designed to help people across North and South Carolina – and hopefully soon, the nation – build real-world friendships through the shared love of sports and physical activity.
Kaplan understands the unique charm Tega Cay and the Carolinas in general. “I know how amazing this community is,” he says, “but I also know it can be tough to meet new people, especially as adults. Whether you’re new to the area, working remotely, or just looking to be more active, VRV makes it easy to find people nearby who want to play tennis, pickleball, basketball, or just get outside and move.”
A Social Network That Gets You Off Your Phone
Unlike traditional social apps that keep you glued to a screen, VRV is built around getting users offline and outside. After setting up a profile with your favorite sports and skill level, you can swipe to connect with nearby players, start or join clubs like “Tega Cay Pickleball,” and schedule games—all within the app.
The idea came from a simple insight: sports bring people together.
“In today’s world, where loneliness is quietly becoming a public health crisis, we saw an opportunity to create something that helps people reconnect in person,” Kaplan said.
The app offers a user-friendly platform with several key features designed to streamline the process of finding local sports partners:
- Personalized Profiles: Users can create profiles highlighting their favorite sports, skill levels, and availability.
- Intuitive Matching: A swiping system allows users to discover and connect with other local athletes who share their interests.
- Community-Focused Clubs: Users can join or create “Clubs,” like a “Tega Cay Pickleball” group, to easily organize games and build a sense of community around specific activities.
- Seamless Communication: The app integrates chat features, allowing users to schedule games and coordinate meetups all in one place.
Currently in a soft rollout phase across North and South Carolina, VRV Athletics has ambitious plans for nationwide expansion in the summer of 2025. Kaplan emphasizes that the app is a work in progress, and feedback from early users is crucial in shaping its future. However, even in its initial stages, VRV is already witnessing meaningful connections forming as people find new friends and workout buddies through the platform.
“VRV is more than just an app,” Kaplan explains. “It’s a way to bring people together, one game at a time.” For the residents of Tega Cay, this homegrown initiative offers a fantastic opportunity to further strengthen the community fabric, welcome newcomers, and encourage a more active and connected lifestyle.
VRV Athletics is now available for iOS and Android devices. You can learn more at www.vrvathletics.com or contact Bryan directly at [email protected].
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