Ahmad Elhawli thinks it’s a shame that a sporting nation like Australia doesn’t have a dedicated place to buy and sell new and used sports gear. Why wade through furniture listings on Gumtree, when all you’re really looking for is serviceable tennis racquet?

That’s why he launched Sportsfinda, an online marketplace for new and used sporting equipment and clothing.

Elhawli believes the site will help sellers reach customers more cost-effectively and make it easier for buyers to find the gear they’re looking for.

“I am really excited about the many ways in which Sportsfinda.com.au is going to benefit Australia,” he said.

“Nearly every family with kids has sporting equipment sitting in their garage or cupboards collecting dust. With the arrival of Sportsfinda.com.au, now they have a sales platform where they can easily list and sell the items to a primed audience.

“Parents looking to purchase second-hand sporting equipment for their kids can now easily source the items they need on Sportsfinda.com.au, rather than having to trawl through other sites or the local paper.

Sportsfinda screens second-hand product listings to ensure the items on sale are the best possible quality and in prime-condition.

When it comes to new equipment and clothing, Elhawli said he is targeting small and medium businesses, rather than major retailers like rebel or Sportsmart.

The marketplace currently features just two sellers – Evolve Fitness and Ringside Boxing Australia, which Elhawli owns – but the former digital marketer said he is in talks with around 10 vendors, some of which are in the process of listing their products.

Elhawli said he aims to have 500 businesses signed up within the first three years.

“Our goal is to have 500 businesses signed up within the first three years and to give maximum exposure to those businesses through our social media channels,” he said.

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