EDDIE IZZARD

The convention attracts a number
of leaders and former players who
now work in the sector – such as
Peter Reid and John Barnes (left
and top left), Sir Bobby Charlton
(above) and Peter Shilton (right)
Nequam, Catum mus, orum pris iaest perbis
During the conference, delegates learned how technology is changing the way
football is played and managed – and how it’s followed and consumed by fans
Move towards artificial pitches
Another hot topic of conversation was the
increased popularity of artificial pitches
– especially in climates less favourable for
the year-round growing of grass.
The recent success of the Iceland
national team, which secured qualification
to Euro 2016, was cited as an example
of how talent can be nurtured when it’s
provided with modern training facilities
and heavy investment in youth coaching.
Iceland, with a population of 300,000, has
20 full-size artificial pitches and more
than 150 small-size pitches to cater for its
20,000 registered players, for example.
Speaking at Soccerex, FA CEO Martin
Glenn re-iterated the FA’s intention to
increase spending on artificial pitches for
grassroots football. “When it comes to
artificial pitches, we are way behind other
northern European countries with similar
climates,” he said, adding that there
are many examples of countries seeing
an upturn in fortunes after well judged
investment in artificial pitches.
“Over the past two years there has been
a realisation that we need to spend much
more on grassroots facilities – and more
specifically, to increase the number of
artificial pitches. We’re in a situation where
English kids play on quagmires for two
months – which means conditions benefit
strong rather than skilfull kids,” he said.
Technological advances
The many ways in which technology is
changing the way football is played and
managed – and how it’s followed and
consumed by fans – were also debated
during many of the sessions. Delegates
heard how many professional clubs
are now adopting a more evidencebased,
sabermetric approach to team
management and player recruitment,
partly thanks to the publication of
two influential books – Michael Lewis’
Moneyball and Soccernomics by Simon
Kuper. Delegates were also given insights
into how technology isn’t that far from
being able to broadcast real-time player
and physiological data back to coaching
teams. It’s predicted that by 2030,
team sports (not just football) could see
miniature cameras being introduced to
every players’ shirt to track their views and
to cover their every move.
It’s not just player analysis and coaching
which will be transformed by technology.
The way referees work will change, with
the introduction of impact sensors and
cameras, while fans will be able to literally
feel what it’s like to be a top player by
using sensory data transmitted by an
electronic tattoo layer worn by players.
During the conference, it was announced
that the Soccerex Americas Forum 2016
will take place on 11-12 May in Mexico
City. The global convention will be held in
Manchester from 26-28 September 2016.●
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 65