Premier League club Stoke City partners with virtual reality company Beyond Sports

Premier League club Stoke City will start working with virtual reality technology ahead of the start of the 2017-18 campaign.

The Potters’ use of the rapidly evolving technology will focus on analysing matches in virtual reality and training their goalkeepers in collaboration with the Dutch sports tech company Beyond Sports.

The technology is based on real match data and will allow the club to create scenarios based on a certain game-plan or specific approach. Mark Hughes’ staff plan to recreate situations in virtual reality to improve their players’ positional intelligence.

A Beyond Sports statement read: “Scientific research fuels the possibilities for more specific training for individual athletes and promises structural player enhancement in both performance and tactical decision making.

“Reliving certain situations through the eyes of the player gives incredible insights that come from the position from which the player actually witnessed the game. Recognition leads to enhancement.”

Stoke City is not the first professional football club in the United Kingdom to use virtual reality to enhance their players. Beyond Sports already partnered with Arsenal two years ago.

Brendan Foster joins Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid team

Commonwealth Champion and legendary long-distance athlete, Brendan Foster CBE, has been announced as the latest addition to the Birmingham 2022 Bid team.

As an Olympic bronze medallist and Commonwealth Champion, in the 10,000m in Edmonton, Foster brings valuable insight from an elite athlete’s perspective. His contribution is further enhanced by his sports business expertise gained from founding and managing the successful mass-participation sports event company, Great Run.

It is Great Run’s involvement with the city of Birmingham, helping to build its reputation as the City of Running, that has endeared Birmingham to Foster and helped cement his support. Foster and Great Run have been responsible for the Great Birmingham Run, Great Birmingham 10k and this autumn’s inaugural Birmingham International Marathon.

Foster will shortly be hanging up the microphone as part of his role on the BBC Sport commentary team. This summer’s London 2017 IAAF World Championship will be his last major athletics event, meaning he has more time to back Birmingham’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Brendan Foster CBE, Olympic medallist, Commonwealth Champion and Founder of the Great Run Company, said: “When Ian Ward invited me to join the Birmingham 2022 Bid team I was delighted to accept.

“Birmingham is an ambitious, vibrant city with a great sporting heritage and I believe the ideal location to host such a prestigious global event.”

“Our company has a strong relationship with Birmingham through organising Great Run events in recent years and in October we’ll be staging the first marathon in the city for 28 years.”

Ian Ward, Deputy Leader Birmingham City Council and Chair, Birmingham Commonwealth Games Steering Group, added: “We are thrilled that Brendan is joining our team to help secure the Commonwealth Games for Birmingham.

“His knowledge, both as a former athlete and as a business professional, will be a boost to our efforts. In recent years, with the Great Birmingham Run and the forthcoming Birmingham International Marathon in October, we have worked closely with Brendan and his team and have seen them deliver some outstanding events for the city.”

iSportconnect announces new Directors’ Summit format with inaugural event to be staged in Lausanne

iSportconnect is delighted to announce that we will be staging our inaugural Directors’ Summit in Lausanne on September 27.

The format of the Summit, which will first be staged at The Olympic Museum, will differ to our traditional Directors’ Club events. Proceedings will last for a full day and feature a combination of panels and interviews with 150 plus c-level executives in attendance. Our Lausanne Summit will be followed by Summits in Dubai, Beijing, Singapore, Madrid and many more prestigious locations.

The Summit represents a breakthrough opportunity for top-tier executives in the Olympic Capital to experience and enjoy the unique learning and networking benefits of iSportconnect’s exclusive invitation-only event concept.

iSportconnect has assembled a content programme that will bring together thought influencers from premier rights owners and brands to discuss and debate strategic issues impacting the future of the global sports business.

Panel discussion topics will include Safeguarding the Image of Sport, The Challenge of Hosting Major Events and Digital Disruption & The Future of Sport.

The friendly and confidential atmosphere of iSportconnect events encourages the free exchange of ideas, and the networking opportunities are unparalleled.

What makes the Directors’ Summit so special?

  • The Directors’ Summit is open exclusively to Director/C-Suite level executives at sports rights holders, sponsorship brands and broadcasters.
  • Event capacity is capped at 100 delegates allowing intimate access to key decision makers in the sports industry.
  • No agencies or press in attendance and as we follow Chatham House Rules, all panel discussions will remain confidential.

There is limited space for this exclusive event so please email Dimitrios (dimitrios.syrmis@isportconnect.com) to confirm your interest in attending.

In partnership with world leading professional service firm PwC’s Sports Business Advisory Practice and with the support of ThinkSport

Brentford Football Club and Curtis Sport sign programme partnership

Brentford Football Club has entered a partnership with Curtis Sport to be the Official Programme Supplier for the next three seasons.

The experienced print and sports specialist will have responsibility for the sales and distribution of Brentford FC’s matchday programme, which will be redesigned for the new season.

There will also be a new Programme Editor this season with Sam Marshall, newly appointed to the Club’s Communications team, taking on the role. Curtis Sport produces matchday programmes for sporting organisations across the country.

They work with football clubs including West Bromwich Albion, Aberdeen and Millwall and well as Rugby League, Rugby Union and speedway teams.

The West Midlands based firm will be designing and printing the programme as well as taking responsibility for matchday and online sales.

The Club will maintain control of the editorial content.

Mike Sullivan, Brentford FC Commercial Manager, said: “We are delighted to partner with Curtis Sport. Our matchday publication is a very important part of our communication with supporters near and far.

“We want it to be recognised as one of the best around and it was important that we found a partner who shares our values. Curtis Sport already produce quality match programmes for several other clubs and with our new Programme Editor Sam also in place we believe there will be a great product for our fans to read.”

Stuart Curtis, MD of Curtis Sport added “We are proud to be working with Brentford from this season. We are joining the club at an exciting time and we aim to produce a programme that fans will enjoy.”

ITU World Triathlon Series returns to Leeds in 2018

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is pleased to announce that the ITU World Triathlon Series will return to the city of Leeds for a third successive year on 9 and 10 June 2018.

Leeds joins Bermuda, Abu Dhabi, Yokohama and the Grand Final on the Gold Coast as host locations confirmed for 2018 ITU World Triathlon Series.

Last month, in excess of 70,000 spectators cheered on the world’s best triathletes including local heroes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee who celebrated a second successive one-two finish in Millennium Square as the city received a true triathlon takeover.

Marisol Casado, ITU president and IOC member, said: “We are delighted to come back to Leeds, home of the Brownlee brothers, for the third year. It is always amazing to see the support of the people of Leeds to this event, the thousands of spectators cheering on the streets, and the city showcasing its best all over the world. And will be again superb to have the greatest triathletes in the world competing here, along with thousands of amateur triathletes.”


Alistair Brownlee, Olympic Champion and two-time winner of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds said: “The Leeds leg of the ITU World Triathlon Series has been the standout race in the Series for the past two seasons and to be able to look forward to a third year in a row and go for a hat-trick of wins is really exciting. It’s very special to be able to race in my home city and to win in front of so many fans, is incredible.”

For Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, “last month was a fantastic advertisement for the sport of triathlon and I hope the millions who watched have been inspired to get involved in our sport. To have confirmation of the 2018 event, shows the level of success of the Leeds leg of the ITU World Triathlon Series and the team can’t wait to deliver another outstanding triathlon experience for everyone next year.”

The 2018 event will once again be supported by the National Lottery and organised by British Triathlon, in partnership with Leeds City Council, UK Sport and the ITU. Organisers will be looking to build on the high quality experience delivered for this year’s participants, fans and volunteers as the event aims to inspire even greater participation in the sport of triathlon.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake, said: “We are extremely proud and excited that Leeds will have the opportunity to host its third ITU World Triathlon Series event in 2018. The atmosphere generated by the large crowds in attendance at the 2017 Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds events was simply unbelievable and some of the best that the sport has ever seen. Next year’s occasion promises to be just as spectacular and we look forward to welcoming once again both athletes and spectators to the city where they can be guaranteed another huge Yorkshire welcome.”

Africa’s leading digital TV operator StarTimes acquires exclusive rights for FIBA’s 2017-21 national team competitions

StarTimes, Africa’s leading pay TV operator, has acquired exclusive media rights in Sub-Saharan Africa for FIBA’s national team competitions during the period 2017-2021, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.

Basketball’s world governing body awarded StarTimes exclusive free and pay transmission rights across all territories of Sub-Saharan Africa for its leading tournaments (with the exception of free rights in Angola and French pay rights in Francophone on non-exclusive basis).

StarTimes is the leading digital TV operator in Africa, serving nearly 10 million subscribers through DTT and DTH platforms with 480 authorized channels.

Vincent Yu, StarTimes Media Division Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are so glad to offer the very best of national team basketball to our subscribers in Africa by having secured the broadcasting rights for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and all other leading events for the period 2017-2021.

“We are particularly excited to offer basketball fans in the region the chance to follow their favorite teams as they compete in the Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Continental Cups 2021.”

“This agreement is consistent with StarTimes’ mission and values to offer the best sport content, which has always been our priority. Our partnership with FIBA will clearly be a turning point for African basketball fans.”

FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Patrick Baumann said: “Thanks to this partnership with StarTimes, the extent of our reach across Sub-Saharan African is bigger than ever before and we can cater to the millions of enthusiastic basketball fans.

“Having the very best of our national team competitions broadcast in the region will go a long way towards growing our sport’s popularity and participation.”

The agreement was brokered by FIBA Media, the strategic partnership between FIBA and Perform, which continues to secure multi-year agreements related to FIBA’s new calendar of events.

iSportconnect announces ‘Celebrating Summer of Athletics’ event

iSportconnect is delighted to announce that we will be ‘Celebrating London’s Summer of Athletics’ at a special event on August 1.

As the capital plays host to the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships, the biggest international sports event of the year, we will bring together leading decision-makers from sport, business and host cities around the theme of major events.

The intimate, invite-only session will take place at PwC’s offices in central London.

An exciting range of guests speakers will contribute to a panel-based discussion focusing on the challenges facing athletics before delegates have an opportunity to network with some of the most influential people in the international sports industry within a relaxed environment.

The main panel-based discussion will feature our esteemed guest speakers while Michael Pirrie, executive Advisor to London 2012 Chairman, Seb Coe, will moderate proceedings.

Chatham House rules will be strictly adhered to, encouraging a free exchange of ideas among those in attendance, while canapes and drinks will also be available.

There is no fee to attend this event so please contact Dimitrios (dimitrios.syrmis@isportconnect.com) to register your interest.

Confirmed Guest Speaker list:

Sir Craig Reedie – President, WADA

Ed Warner – Co Chair, London 2017

Nick Bitel – Chairman of Sport England & CEO of London Marathon

Adam Pengilly – IOC Member

                          

HOST PARTNER

Chelsea announce Ericsson as new ‘Connected Venue’ partner

Premier League champions Chelsea have announced Ericsson as their new ‘Connected Venue’ partner ahead of the 2017-18 season.

The partnership will see Wi-Fi coverage offered to fans at Stamford Bridge for the first time in the west London club’s history.

Ericsson’s cutting edge Smart Cell tool is set to allow the Chelsea faithful to access Wi-Fi and share their experiences with those outside of the stadium.

Stretched mobile networks are set to become a thing of the past, ensuring supporters are able to enjoy a seamless digital experience.

Chris Townsend, Chelsea FC commercial director, said: “We look forward to a rich partnership with Ericsson which will directly assist the thousands of fans who come regularly to Stamford Bridge. Ericsson leads the way in providing innovative digital solutions and we welcome them to the Chelsea family.”

Arun Bansal, Senior Vice President, Europe & Latin America, Ericsson, added: “Our research indicates that people want to use their digital devices wherever they go – and the urge to connect is even greater at a Chelsea FC home game.

“Through this partnership, we will ensure the connectivity at Stamford Bridge matches the quality of the football and look forward to exploring further options that will enable Chelsea FC to take the digital experience to the next level.’

Ericsson has previously worked on Wi-Fi operations at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 European Championships.

Spain football chief Angel Maria Villar Llona arrested as part of corruption investigation

Angel Maria Villar Llona, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, has been arrested as part of a corruption investigation, according to police in Spain.

El Pais and Efe news agency reported that Llona was held on suspicion of embezzling funds.

Mr Villar, an ex-Spain international, has held the position of president since 1988. His son Gorka was also reportedly among the number of people arrested during a series of raids early on Tuesday morning.

Spain’s High Court told Reuters that one of its investigating magistrates and anti-corruption prosecutors are leading the probe.

Mr Villar or his lawyers are yet to comment.

AP and Red Bull announce premium content collaboration

The Associated Press and Red Bull Media House announced today a collaboration that will allow AP clients to access a curated mix of sports, dance, music and lifestyle video and images from the world of Red Bull.

Each week, AP Video Hub and AP Images will offer registered clients 15 or more curated content items representing the very best of Red Bull Media House’s content portfolio.

Paul Shanley, director of business development and partnerships at AP, said: “The Associated Press has been on a mission to bring the widest possible selection of curated video and photo content to our clients. Highlights from Red Bull Media House’s video and photo libraries will add a new thrilling dimension to our existing sports and lifestyle content.”

This year, Red Bull Media House will be on the front lines of motorsports such as the FIA World Rally Championships and Red Bull X-Fighters (Freestyle Motocross); in the water to cover cliff diving, big wave surfing and kiteboarding; and on the mountain with the UCI MTB World Cup mountain biking, plus freeride competitions, hard enduro events, skateboarding, and much more.

AP Video Hub launched in 2012 to address the increase in demand from online publishers for video news.

The platform was an industry first, giving AP customers access to world news, entertainment, sport and lifestyle video, as well as combining breaking news with relevant footage from AP’s historical archive.