Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of sports scouting, offering talented players who may have been overlooked a chance in the professional game. Premier League clubs, such as Chelsea and Burnley, as well as various MLS teams, are utilizing an app developed by ai.io that enables footballers worldwide to complete customized drills and upload match footage of themselves. The app employs computer vision and deep-learning machinery to recognize and evaluate a player’s movement, assigning them a score. Scouts are then alerted to individuals who meet specific criteria.
The aiSCOUT platform has distinguished itself as the sole digital scouting product invited into the FIFA Innovation Programme. Moreover, it has already yielded several success stories, with Burnley signing Jez Davies and Chelsea offering a 10-week trial to Ben Greenwood, both of whom were discovered through the app. The power of the app lies in its accessibility; while not every aspiring footballer can expect a scout to visit them, nearly everyone has access to a smartphone. This provides players with a unique opportunity to showcase their skills, as explained by ai.io COO and director of sports science Richard Felton-Thomas: “It gives the power to the player. We are really democratising that scouting process.”
Felton-Thomas highlights the inefficient nature of traditional scouting methods, which typically involve watching games and gathering additional information afterward. In contrast, the app streamlines the process by offering early talent detection, allowing scouts to identify promising players faster. However, it is essential to note that the app does not determine a player’s future; the final decision rests with scouts and recruitment teams. According to Felton-Thomas, “Our tech is there to do the early talent detection, but then scouts have to ID that talent with the traditional method.”
The success stories resulting from the aiSCOUT app demonstrate its potential to transform players' lives. Jez Davies, for instance, joined Burnley after being spotted on the app shortly after his release from Tottenham. Shortly thereafter, Ben Greenwood had a 10-week trial at Chelsea before securing a permanent deal at Bournemouth. Both players exemplify the impact and opportunities that arise when talented individuals are discovered through AI technology.
This technology has transcended national boundaries, winning recognition in India. Players who have downloaded the app from a shared community phone have been scouted and have gained entry into football programs. Felton-Thomas highlights the significance of mobile phone access for these players, explaining that without it, they would have never received exposure or the chance to play on a registered team.
The stories of Davies and Greenwood highlight the app’s potential to uncover hidden talent, bypassing the limitations of traditional scouting methods and giving players an equal opportunity to be noticed. Felton-Thomas remarks on the success of these individuals, stating, “This is a player who had never once been scouted, so that was a huge success story.”
Innovations like the aiSCOUT app demonstrate how AI technology can transform industries and empower individuals. By democratizing the scouting process and providing equal opportunities for talented players worldwide, AI is shaking up the world of sports. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect more breakthroughs that challenge traditional approaches and open doors for aspiring athletes.
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