Students at the University of Worcester got a chance to try out some of the latest technology in the world of sports performance analysis.
SmartCart Technologies visited to speak to students on the Master’s Sport (Applied Performance Analysis) course about the latest developments in telestration, which involves overlaying graphics onto video footage displayed on a touchscreen system. Club coaches and analysts commonly use this tool to analyse matches, particularly in football, to break down and highlight key information visually. By drawing on the screen, they can explain tactics and show players how they could have reacted in match situations.
Dr John Francis, Senior Lecturer in Performance Analysis and Course Leader for the Master’s Sport (Applied Performance Analysis), said: “It is crucial for our Master’s students to engage with leading industry experts who showcase cutting-edge technology and discuss contemporary issues shaping the sports performance analysis industry. We are committed to preparing our students for roles in performance analysis and other key areas, ensuring they are ready to excel in their future careers. Many of our previous students have gone on to work in Premier League and Championship clubs.”
SmartCart Technologies has created the CoachCart – a mobile, weatherproof touchscreen system. Students were able to try out the telestration and analysis system themselves and hear more from the company. The University and some of its students have been involved in considerable research in recent years around the use and benefit of telestration in football coaching.
Dr Francis added: “By incorporating expert insights into our teaching and research, we enhance our students’ practical knowledge and application of technology, reinforcing our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements.”
SmartCart Technologies have already supplied equipment to a number of top UK clubs, well-known sports broadcasters and their technology has been used in the Premier League, the Champions League and Wimbledon among others.
Student Bradley Perrett, on placement with Crystal Palace FC Academy, said: “Having industry experts come in to speak to us shines a light on the future possibilities of our field allowing us to have open discussions about the analysis field and showing that there are a multitude of avenues whether it be within a club setting or creating new technology of our own.”
Fellow student Beca Jones, on placement with Southampton Football Club, said: “The main learning point I took away from the session was the benefits of telestration to players’ recall and how technology is evolving within the industry to facilitate that. The role of an analyst is evolving more and more to being more involved on the pitch and therefore technology like this only improves our impact on player and team development. It gives me the benefit of stating to future employers that I already have experience of utilising the technology.”
Gilbert Cowie, Founder, Smartcart Technologies Ltd, said: “Our visit to the University of Worcester was a great opportunity to engage with the next generation of performance analysts and showcase how CoachCart is transforming pitch-side coaching. It was great to see the students quickly grasp the system, delivering their own impressive analysis. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the University, contributing to future course activities and research to keep advancing performance analysis tools.”