Techy on the pitch: How innovation is transforming grassroots football

Harrogate Town AFC winger - Oli Robinson

With grassroots being the heartbeat of football all across the UK in bringing people together to play the sport they love and progress young talent, the role of technology at an amateur level is on the rise. Clubs at this level are experiencing adapting to modern technology, enhancing training techniques and performance levels which is having a positive effect on overall engagement in the modern game. Now, we are seeing innovation reshaping football for casual players as well as for professionals and playing a vital part in keeping grassroots relevant and up to date in the world of football.

One piece of innovation that has upgraded grassroots football is the introduction of video analysis. Gone are the days of teams having to rely on memory and notes to analyse individual and team performances. Being able to record training drills and matches has allowed the casual player to understand aspects of the game such as positioning, decision-making, and learn from their mistakes.

As well as players, coaches can also benefit from modern AI advancements with performance tracking apps becoming more prevalent at this level of the game. Apps such as ‘Hudl’ allow clubs to break down plays and set-pieces and highlight areas of improvement. This has enhanced the level of grassroots football more than ever as coaches can now make data driven decisions and tailor training sessions to the needs of the players.

Oli Robinson of Harrogate Town AFC said: “Having the technology throughout my time in different academies has helped me have a better understanding of the game as a whole and also where I can improve.”

“It is so important to analyse data on teams and players at League Two level, and to have technology introduced in grassroots too will make the standard of football a lot better in the future.”

Another obvious way in which football has changed is the introduction of social media over the past couple decades. It’s been used as a positive and powerful tool for clubs to connect with their fanbase and reach out to gaining more of a following. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have allowed teams to share updates and engage with people all over the internet. The promotion of upcoming matches, video highlights, and behind-the-scenes content has allowed viewers to feel more connected to non-league clubs than ever before. This has helped keep the amateur game alive by building a loyal fanbase which has had a knock-on effect on participation and viewership.

So where does this leave the future of grassroots football as technology continues to evolve? Well, it is only set to benefit even more. With technology such as virtual reality training and AI driven coaching having the potential to become a common theme, these advancements will be sure to enhance player performance and accessibility into grassroots football. Although changing technology can be scary, by clubs embracing this change grassroots can remain competitive and foster a new generation of talent.