Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage

Last updated: November 2024

1. Introduction

Club Together ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Registration: Name, email address, phone number, password, and club/organisation details.
Profile Information: Profile picture, bio, and preferences.
Game Participation: Team picks, gameweek selections, and performance data.
Payment Information: Payment method details (processed through third-party payment providers; we do not store full card details).
Communication: Messages, feedback, and support requests you submit to us.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and IP address.
Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, features used, and interaction patterns.
Location Data: General location based on IP address (not precise GPS).
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: See Section 5 for details.

2.3 Third-Party Data

We receive football match data from third-party providers (such as football-data.org) to populate game fixtures and scoring information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

To create and maintain your account.
To facilitate game creation, participation, and score tracking.
To process payments and manage fundraising contributions.
To send you notifications, updates, and gameweek reminders.
To improve platform functionality, performance, and user experience.
To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues.
To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms and Conditions.
To send marketing communications (only with your consent).
To analyze usage patterns and platform analytics.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information in the following circumstances:

Game Creators/Admins: Your profile name, team picks, and scores are visible to the game creator managing your league.
Other Players: Your username, profile picture, and standings are visible to other participants in the same game.
Service Providers: Payment processors, email providers, analytics services, and hosting providers who assist in operating the platform.
Legal Compliance: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety.
Business Transfers: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

5.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognize you and remember your preferences.

5.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (authentication, session management, security).
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings, language, and theme choices.
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use the platform to improve features and performance.
Marketing Cookies: Used only with your consent to track campaigns and personalize advertisements.

5.3 Cookie Consent

When you first visit Club Together, a cookie banner will appear asking for your consent. You can:

Accept all cookies
Accept only essential cookies
Customize your cookie preferences

You can manage or withdraw consent anytime by updating your preferences in your account settings.

5.4 Third-Party Cookies

Some third-party services (analytics, payment providers) may set their own cookies. Review their privacy policies for details.

5.5 Disabling Cookies

You can disable cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect platform functionality. Essential cookies cannot be disabled.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:

SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit.
Secure password hashing and storage.
Access controls limiting employee access to personal data.
Regular security audits and monitoring.

While we strive to protect your data, no system is completely secure. We are not liable for unauthorized access despite our reasonable security measures.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to provide services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. You can request deletion of your account and associated data anytime, subject to legal obligations to retain certain records.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
Right to Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete information.
Right to Deletion: Request removal of your data ("right to be forgotten").
Right to Portability: Receive your data in a portable format.
Right to Opt-Out: Withdraw consent for marketing communications and non-essential cookies.
Right to Object: Object to certain processing activities.

To exercise these rights, contact us through the support form on our website.

9. Children's Privacy

Club Together is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 18. If we learn we have collected such data, we will delete it immediately.

10. International Data Transfer

Your data may be processed in countries other than where you reside. By using Club Together, you consent to international transfer of your data. We ensure adequate protections are in place.

11. Third-Party Links

Club Together may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their privacy policies before sharing information.

12. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes via email or platform notification. Your continued use constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact Us

For privacy inquiries, data requests, or complaints, contact us through the support form on our website. If you are in the EU and unsatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.