Community Messaging & Marketplace Enhancements

What & Why

Academy members need two community engagement tools:

1. Member-to-member messaging — The backend already has a full direct messaging system (inbox, sent, conversations, read tracking, minor safeguarding). API routes exist at in . What's missing is a frontend Messages page so users can actually find and message each other. Currently there's no route in the app.

2. Marketplace "Partner Finding" category — The marketplace () already supports equipment sales and private lesson partner sharing. Members need a new "Looking for Partner" listing type so people can find partners for beach twos, open gym, or other activities. The equipment sale side already handles selling outgrown shoes, etc.

Existing Infrastructure

Messaging (backend exists, frontend missing)

Schema: table in with , , , , , ,
API routes in :

- — send a message - — get inbox - — get sent messages - — conversation thread - — mark as read - — mark all read - — unread badge count

Safeguarding: Messages involving minors are flagged; guardian is automatically copied

Marketplace (exists, needs partner-finding type)

Schema: table with ("EQUIPMENT_SALE", "PRIVATE_LESSON"), , , , , , ,
Schema: table for buy/join interest tracking
Frontend: (1,104 lines)
API: lines 969-1324

Implementation Plan

Part 1: Messages Page (frontend)

Create with:

Conversations list — shows recent conversations with avatar, name, last message preview, unread badge, timestamp
Conversation thread view — full message history with the selected person, newest at bottom
Compose new message — search for academy members by name, write subject + message
Unread count badge in sidebar navigation
Minor safeguarding notice — show a note when messaging involves a minor (under 18)
Register route at in
Add "Messages" to sidebar navigation with unread count badge

Part 2: Marketplace Partner Finding

Add as a new listing type in the marketplace schema and frontend
Add partner-search categories: "Beach Twos", "Open Gym", "Tournament Team", "Training Partner", "Other"
Update to:

- Show a "Find a Partner" tab alongside "Equipment" and "Private Lesson" - Partner search listings show: activity type, preferred skill level, preferred dates/times, location, description - Allow users to express interest (existing system)

Add optional fields to for partner searches: , ,

Part 3: Cross-linking

On marketplace listings, add a "Message Seller" or "Message" button that opens a pre-filled message to the listing owner
On partner search listings, add a "I'm Interested — Send Message" action

Key Files to Modify

— add PARTNER_SEARCH type, optional partner-search fields to marketplace_listings
— NEW: messages page
— add partner-finding tab and category
— register /messages route, add sidebar nav item
— update marketplace API for new listing type
— any new storage methods needed

Done Looks Like

1. Members can navigate to , see their conversations, and send direct messages to other academy members 2. Unread message count shows in the sidebar 3. Marketplace has a "Find a Partner" section where members can post they're looking for a beach twos partner, open gym buddy, etc. 4. Members can message listing owners directly from marketplace/partner listings 5. Minor safeguarding rules are respected (guardian copied on messages involving under-18s) 6. All pages work on mobile and desktop

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Elite Academy

Monday, April 6, 2026