Smartphone apps have managed to make themselves a part of almost every aspect of our day to day lives.

If you want to read about a movie, check your bank balance or simply say hello to a friend, you’ll probably turn to a smartphone app to do so. There was a time when the traditional world of sport was seen as an antidote or alternative to our online, app-based world. However, today, sport is well and truly integrated into the digital age. There is a great selection of sporting events taking place over the coming months, from Premier League showdowns to the England cricket tour to South Africa. To enjoy them to the fullest, these are the smartphone apps you will need.

ESPN

Some sports broadcasters, such as Sky or Fox, found themselves struggling to compete against online alternatives. ESPN took a different approach and dived headlong into making its website the go-to sports resource on the internet. It’s the ultimate all-rounder with truly comprehensive coverage of major tournaments like the NFL or Premier League all the way to fringe activities from chess to lacrosse. The app is user friendly, and highly customisable, so you can set it to focus on the sports that interest you and avoid getting lost in the sheer volume of information.

Unibet

One of the biggest changes to hit sport in the online age was the transition of sports betting. It went from a somewhat specialised and mysterious activity behind frosted glass to something everyday fans do, just to add a little spice to a game. After all, seeing your team win is great, but knowing you’ll profit by a few pounds at the same time is even better. There are dozens of betting sites offering mobile apps with the latest odds, tips and even live streams. Unibet is one of the most popular and offers a one stop shop due to the incredibly wide range of sports it covers.

Bleacher Report

This one delivers a new type of service specifically aimed at the social media generation. As well as being able to consume all the latest news and gossip, you can be a part of it with the social functionality. Like ESPN, this is an app that can be completely customised to zero in on the sports, teams, tournaments or athletes that interest you.

The Athletic

While the above apps are all free to download and use, this one will set you back $9.99 per month. Still, the sheer number of subscribers tells you this is something you should not dismiss offhand. There’s live coverage and streams, with up to the minute expert news and views. As the price suggests, The Athletic is a US platform, but don’t let that put you off. It’s not all NFL and NBA. In fact, there’s incredibly in-depth coverage of practically any sport you can think of, from every corner of the globe. You can even opt for a free trial to see what you think.