Multi-language pools: how to localize content, emails, and UI quickly

By Dirk Menkveld on Monday, February 2, 2026

Multi-language pools: how to localise content, emails, and UI quickly

A pool is more fun when everyone can read it. Language should not block your group. It should feel easy from the first click.

On GoKoppa, many people play Fantasy Football (is Prediction Game in English) with friends. In this kind of fantasy football, you predict match results. You do not pick players.

So, if your group speaks different languages, localisation matters. It helps everyone join in. It cuts confusion. It also helps people come back.

Below is a simple plan you can use.

Start with a “small but complete” language set

Do not translate everything at once. Start with the parts that help people play.

Translate these first:

Sign up and log in text
Join pool flow (invite, code, link)
The prediction screen (home, away, score, save)
Table and points labels
Rules and tie-break text
Key buttons (Save, Edit, Submit)

Keep it short. Use plain words. Avoid slang.

Use one source of truth for every text

Fast localisation needs clean text. Put all UI text in one place.

Good options include:

JSON files in your code repo
A translation platform
A shared sheet for early testing

Use stable keys. Example:

button.save
label.points
error.required

Do not use full sentences as keys. It makes edits hard later.

Build UI that can handle longer text

Some languages are longer. Your UI must stretch.

Do these quick checks:

Let buttons grow in width
Avoid fixed-height text boxes
Allow line breaks in labels
Test with “long text mode” (add extra words)

Also check number formats:

Use local date formats
Use local time formats
Use the right decimal and comma style

Localise emails like mini landing pages

Emails drive return visits. They must feel clear in every language.

Translate these email types first:

Invite email
Welcome email
Reminder to predict
Results and table update

Keep emails scannable:

One clear subject line
Short first line that explains the action
One main button
No big blocks of text

Also localise:

Sender name
Preview text
Footer and help lines

Tip: keep pool names as-is. Do not force-translate names made by users.

Make match content easy to translate (or not translate)

Some content should stay the same across languages:

Team names (often best left as common local names or known forms)
Scores and kick-off times
Pool codes and links

Pick a workflow: fast, safe, repeatable

Here is a simple workflow that works well:

Write the base text in plain English
Lock the text for this release (no last-minute rewrites)
Translate
Review with one native speaker per language
Test in the real UI and real emails
Release
Track issues and fix in the next batch

If you want a deeper guide to language and locale basics, read the W3C overview on internationalisation: W3C Internationalisation.

Avoid common mistakes that slow you down

These issues often cause delays:

Text baked into images
Hard-coded strings in the UI
No space for longer words
One email template used for every language
Mixed languages on one screen

Fix these early. You will move much faster.

Quick launch checklist (copy and use)

Before you launch a new language, check:

UI fits on mobile and desktop
Buttons do not cut off text
Dates and times look right
Emails render well on phone
Links go to the right language view
Rules match the points system
“Fantasy Football (is Prediction Game in English)” help text is clear

Final tip: ship in waves

You do not need 20 languages on day one. Start with 2 or 3. Learn from real users. Then add more.

A good multi-language pool feels welcoming. It helps friends play together. And it keeps the focus on what matters: making predictions and having fun.