Top Soccer Clubs are Using an AI-Powered App to Scout Future Stars
In a bid to revolutionize talent identification and scouting in soccer, a London-based technology company has launched an AI-powered mobile app that is gaining traction among top soccer clubs worldwide.
The aiScout app, available for free download globally, allows aspiring soccer talents to participate in virtual trials for professional clubs by uploading self-recorded footage of themselves completing various drills. Offering 75 exercises designed to assess a range of skills, the app automatically scores performances using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The data generated can then be accessed by clubs, enabling their scouts to identify potential talent based on specific criteria such as age, gender, and position on the pitch.
Currently, the app boasts partnerships with two English Premier League (EPL) clubs, Chelsea and Burnley. Clubs can customize in-app trials to suit their needs and set benchmarks aligned with their standards by having academy players complete the same drills.
Richard Felton-Thomas, the chief operating officer of ai.io, the company behind the app, emphasized the efficiency it brings to talent scouting. By presenting data upfront, scouts can optimize their search efforts, focusing on players who meet the clubs’ standards and requirements.
The app’s success stories include players like Ben Greenwood, who secured a trial with Chelsea after using the platform. Since its full launch in September 2023, approximately 135 players have been trialed or signed by professional clubs or national teams through the app.
While the app’s primary revenue stream comes from licensing fees charged to clubs, Felton-Thomas envisions its widespread adoption across the soccer landscape, with over 100 clubs lined up to join Chelsea and Burnley. The app’s user base is expected to surge into the millions as more clubs come on board.
The integration of AI technology in sports analytics, including talent scouting, reflects a broader trend in the sports industry. Market research firm Grand View Research projects a significant growth trajectory for the global sports analytics market, driven by advancements in technology.
Despite the rise of AI in talent scouting, Felton-Thomas emphasizes that traditional scouting methods remain relevant. He views AI as a tool to enhance and expedite the scouting process, augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it entirely.
Looking ahead, ai.io aims to explore opportunities in other sports and potentially expand into sectors beyond sports, leveraging its technology for applications such as healthcare and military disciplines.
As the sports industry embraces AI technology, the aiScout app represents a pioneering effort to democratize talent identification in soccer, offering aspiring players around the world a pathway to professional opportunities through innovative digital platforms.
