PlaySafe: FieldLab
Project
The PlaySafe: FieldLab project is investigating a new service for football clubs. Researchers measure and analyse players’ movements during changes of direction on the pitch. They then share the results with the clubs. This gives clubs a better understanding of their players’ performance and injury risks.
The previous PlaySafe project demonstrated that on-pitch movement analysis is both technically feasible and valuable. The next step is to develop this innovation into a practical and scalable service for football clubs. In PlaySafe: FieldLab, one question takes centre stage: how can football clubs make the new method and working processes an integral part of their training sessions and decision-making? In this way, the insights can genuinely contribute to fewer injuries and better performance.
This project is all about implementation rather than testing. We are putting PlaySafe into practice so that clubs can start using it straight away.
Nils Jongerius
Project leader
Methodology
In the first PlaySafe project, researchers developed a robust and practical method for field-based measurement. In this follow-up project, they are working with clubs to determine:
- who within the club needs what information.
- when that information is needed.
Social impact
PlaySafe: FieldLab helps football clubs to operate in a more professional and data-driven manner. Clubs gain a better understanding of performance indicators and injury risks across the entire youth academy. The project thus contributes to:
- a safe and sustainable sporting environment
- a stronger position for women’s football in the Netherlands
- the sharing of knowledge with grassroots sport and rehabilitation
In this way, the project team helps to make the sport as a whole a little better.
Links with education
Within PlaySafe: FieldLab, students assist with field measurements at a professional football club. They analyse 3D movement data and translate this into clear insights for the coaching staff. Students learn to work with advanced measuring equipment and are involved in the entire process: from data collection to the final advisory report. In this way, they develop practical skills in a unique, professional sporting environment where education, research and practice come together.
Expected results/outputs
The project will deliver a tested service concept for injury monitoring in football clubs.
This consists of:
- an implementation strategy
- a suitable business model
- a clear value proposition
In addition, the project will provide practical insights, reports and a roadmap for market launch. These will form the basis for further scaling up or a potential spin-off.
Participating research groups
- Physiotherapy: Moving towards Preventive Care
- Sport Business & Sport Management
Project team AUAS
- Nils Jongerius
- Jan-Willem van der Roest
- Alli Gokeler
- Kathrin Metselaar
- Mathijs van der Meer
- Maarten Barendrecht
External partner
- BVO Sparta Rotterdam
Physiotherapy: Moving towards Preventive Care research group
This project is part of the Physiotherapy: Moving towards Preventive Care research group. Want to find out more?