Tottenham have taken the unprecedented step of buying a stake in a new training app.
The club has invested in Grow Football after it was trialled at Tottenham ’s state-of-the-art training ground. Tottenham striker Heung-Min Son has shown his support by running the rule over it.
It has been developed by "start up" technology firm LV8 Sport and uses unique tracking software together with smartphones to monitor training drills and skill sessions. Spurs Academy Manager Dean Rastrick, said: “Our academy players and coaches have worked closely with the team at Grow Football throughout the app's development.
“That commitment and belief in this app has only been strengthened by the Club becoming shareholders in Grow Football.” The technology behind the app was developed by students from Imperial College London, led by Professor William Knottenbelt over the past five years.
They have used revolutionary new artificial technology and sports performance analysis software and believe the training tool - which is then connected to the ball via a smartphone - has got huge potential.
It could appeal to more professional players but also across the 265 million male and female players around the world who take to the pitch every week. Football is latching onto more technology with several high-profile players - such as Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling - having bought into STATSports which provide data from the vests players wear in training.
FIFA have also embraced new tech for semi-automatic offsides but also for every player to have their own personalised app which will provide data after every performance. It has become a huge business in football but this is believed to be the first time a club has bought into a new technology app.
LV8 Sport Chief Executive Francis Jago said: “Tottenham Hotspur’s track record of developing players is among the best out there, which is why the Club’s expertise and input has been, and will continue to be, so invaluable to us in developing Grow Football.
“Spurs’ credentials in embracing innovative ideas on and off the pitch is well known and the fact they have supported our work on this app speaks volumes. With the help of the team at Imperial College London, we have created unique technology through a phone’s camera that means the app can be used by anyone, anywhere. The straightforward functionality of the app means all you need is a ball and a phone.
“Our core aims are to make football fun and to help players of all ages improve their game. We believe Grow Football will not only change the way aspiring footballers and teams train but also get even more people active and into football.”
