Ellevate is a dynamic platform designed for young and aspiring footballers to showcase their talent, connect with like-minded players, and increase their chances of getting scouted.
As part of the team at Hedgehog Lab, I played a key role in developing the product name, brand identity, and app design. The brand is crafted to exude energy, motivation, and a sense of elevation—empowering players to reach new heights in their football journey.
With a strong emphasis on community and visibility, Ellevate provides a space where players can share their progress, engage with others, and seize new opportunities in the world of football.
THE CHALLENGE
Ellevate was founded on a bold vision to empower aspiring players worldwide with the necessary tools and visibility to reach their full potential.
Highlighted the untapped potential of talented players worldwide. Ellevate’s mission was to create a global platform that gives all aspiring players a chance to shine resulted in the development of an innovative and exciting football training app, poised to revolutionise the way players improve their skills and reach the global football scouting network.
Approach
Our UXR team dove deep into the football scouting world, researching market competitors and talking directly with scouts and players to get a real sense of their challenges. We wanted to understand what tools they use, what frustrates them, and what would actually make a difference in their day-to-day work.
Through these conversations, we built detailed personas that reflected the real needs and goals of both scouts and players. We also sent out surveys to gather even more insights, making sure we weren’t just relying on assumptions. This research helped us see exactly how a product like Ellevate could fit into their lives and add real value.
More than just gathering data, these findings shaped our vision for Ellevate. We weren’t just guessing what people wanted—we had clear, research-backed insights guiding our decisions, ensuring we built something that truly solves problems and stands out in the market.
The inspiration behind the brand name “Ellevate” comes from the core mission of the platform: to help players showcase their skills, gain visibility, and ultimately advance their careers. We wanted a name that embodies growth, progress, and the journey toward achieving one’s full potential in football. “Ellevate” not only plays on the word “elevate,” symbolizing upward movement and improvement, but also cleverly incorporates the number 11, a direct nod to the sport.
The visual identity of the brand is centered around a clean and modern typographic treatment that emphasizes the number 11. This is a deliberate choice, reflecting the ultimate goal for players: securing a spot in the starting 11 of a team. By weaving this symbolism into the brand design, we reinforce the idea of striving for excellence and reaching the highest level of competition.
Overall, the branding captures the essence of ambition, hard work, and achievement—values that resonate deeply with both players and scouts, making Ellevate a meaningful and aspirational name in the football world.
Ellevate has experienced remarkable growth and success over the years, establishing itself as a major player in the football scouting industry. The company has consistently attracted top-tier talent, with its roster of Pros now including some of the biggest names in football. Among them are Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Arsenal’s Ben White and, West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka. These high-profile signings underscore Ellevate’s growing influence and reputation in the football world, as they continue to solidify their position as a trusted and sought-after agency for elite athletes.
SUCCESS STORIES
What did we achieve?
Boosted player visibility, enabled performance tracking, created career opportunities, and connected athletes with a global football network.
