The emergence of new innovations in sports has never been bigger. We see the landscape changing every day with new, innovative technologies and startups identifying market opportunities to add never-seen-before value to one of the world’s most attractive industries.

Whether it’s high performance, fan engagement, infrastructure or sustainability, the connection between sports and tech innovation has never been stronger and not only is it here to stay, it’s only going to grow! Whilst the opportunity is clear to see for sports organisations of all shapes and sizes, navigating and staying in tune with this ever-changing ecosystem has also never been more important.

Football, a sport deeply embedded in tradition, is undergoing a remarkable transformation fueled by technology and innovation. As the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds move closer together, clubs are embracing the opportunities presented by accessible hardware and software to elevate their performance on and off the pitch.

At Ve2, we are passionate about both innovation and football, especially when applied in the same context. In this article, we will delve into the latest developments and trends that are reshaping the football landscape. Topic for today: Performance on the Field.

Traditionally, clubs aimed for on-field success as the ultimate measure of their performance. While winning matches and securing three points remain pivotal, some clubs, like FC Nordsjaelland, have been shifting their focus to player development already for years now rather than simply chasing titles.

European football clubs recognise the need to compete with the “super teams” with unlimited budgets by nurturing and developing young talents through their academies or through new digital channels like Tonsser. A collaboration between Tonsser and Southampton is a great example of how the digital world is being embedded in football.

https://soccerex.com/insight/articles/2023/tonsser-the-app-for-aspiring-young-football-players

Clubs can unlock enormous potential, both on and off the field. Innovative methods, such as data-driven scouting and the use of technologies beyond traditional means, are enabling clubs to identify hidden gems and reach talents that were previously inaccessible.

Ok, let’s do another one: Talent scouting through data analysis has not only inspired many clubs but has also paved the way for new technologies to emerge in the market. Nordensa is a great example where new potentials get a chance to reach the pro level! This innovation ecosystem allows clubs, regardless of budget constraints, to achieve relative success in line with their strategic vision.

Harnessing cutting-edge technology enables clubs to gain a competitive edge and maximise their performance potential when applied appropriately. Performance technology is like the “12th man” that often operates behind the scenes, yet it has the potential to yield the most significant impact in a club’s arsenal, and Ipswich shows that with the right mindset and a ‘smaller budget,’ you can still achieve great progress.

Source: https://trainingground.guru/articles/how-ipswich-academy-deliver-elite-video-analysis-on-a-cat-2-budget

For next time: Off the Field Potential:

Innovation and technology are not confined to the football pitch alone. Clubs, regardless of their scale and size, are exploring avenues to generate revenue through commercial partnerships while enhancing the overall fan experience, both on match days and beyond. The goal is to reimagine the bond between fans and their beloved clubs, creating immersive experiences that extend far beyond the ninety minutes of a game. More about that next time….

We are ve2, an Amsterdam-based digital agency & venture capital fund. We love to invest in sports start-ups and help clients build awesome products and navigate through an ever-changing digital landscape. Want to know more? visit our innovation page on how we can assist sports organisations in embracing tech & innovation.