Zone14: Assisting coaches and fans alike

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Image credit: Zone14

Across the world the coaching is becoming ever more professional and sophisticated as technology continues to elevate the way players are developed and trained. One company leading the technology revolution in football is Zone14. Hailing from Austria, Zone14 supports coaches and clubs via its unique Zone14 ONE and TWO cameras.

These unique cameras not only capture match footage but use the power of Zone14’s very own AI to capture valuable game data without burdening players with bulky vests or uncomfortable trackers.

Zone14 Cameras 

The Zone14 ONE and TWO cameras are the organisation’s leading product, providing an all-in-one camera solution for professional and amateur clubs.

Designed to be easy to use, Zone14’s cameras use AI tracking to capture players and the action without relying on a cameraman. Additionally, each camera is reinforced for all weather duty, allowing for them to capture clear 4K footage in whatever condition a team is playing in.

After a game, cameras automatically upload game video to Zone14 REPLAY, either via 5/4G, WiFi, or ethernet connection.

Zone14 REPLAY

Zone14 REPLAY is Zone14’s video cloud hosting service and analysis tool. Through it, coaches can individually tag important moments in game recordings to highlight to players, or they can use tagged moments from Zone14’s data analysis and football coding process.

After tagging, coaches can easily analyse footage with built in drawing tools, allowing them to convey player movements or crucial passes.

Game recordings can be easily found again and again by neatly organising them into individualised playlists that suit each coach’s needs. To enable greater understanding amongst assistant coaches and players or to provide fans greater experiences with the club, video recordings can be shared via Zone14 REPLAY.

Furthermore, clubs can use the platform to create highlights for fans that can be shared on YouTube.

Zone14 LIVE

Breaking down barriers for fans, Zone14 offers an incredibly unique opportunity for fans to watch games of their favourite clubs by granting the ability for clubs to livestream games, even for amateur clubs.

Games can be broadcast live and free on YouTube, allowing for fans to watch on any device. Through this, clubs can customise their streams to their liking, such as integrating sponsors for greater financial opportunities. Additionally, clubs can choose to monetise their streams behind a paywall, without fear of losing any revenue to Zone14.

Streaming allows for clubs to market themselves easily, as it continually provides material to add onto social media pages in the form of stories or clips.

However, Zone14 LIVE not only allows for greater fan interaction but also grants coaches to analyse games on the fly.

With an available second screen, coaches can use features from Zone14 REPLAY, live tag important moments to review later, and even instantly playback those very same moments to gain a deeper understanding of what is happening on the pitch.

By being able to instantly access footage, coaches can adjust instructions and relay key information to players at half time or on the bench to improve performances.

Zone14 STATS

Utilising Zone14’s 180-degree AI powered cameras, Zone14 STATS provides key player data via player tracking.

Through the cameras, Zone14 tracks an array of valuable footballing data such as running routes, ball actions, and tactical patterns as well as a wide breadth of performance data like distance covered, number of sprints, high intensity runs, average speed and top speed.

Conclusion 

Through offering features for both fans and coaches, Zone14 provides a unique suite of products that differentiates it from its competitors.

For those wanting to up their game and foster a greater sense of community, Zone14 could be the solution.

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The ball is no longer just being improved it is being connected

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The humble football is becoming one of the more technologically advanced objects on a football pitch.

Across the A-Leagues, Mitre’s new Ultimax Pro is focused on improving what happens when the ball is kicked, while LaLiga has taken the next step by turning the ball into a source of live match data.

The contrast shows how football technology is moving in two directions at once, improving the physical performance of equipment while increasingly connecting it to the digital systems surrounding the game.

Refining the Physical Object: Mitre’s Ultimax Pro

The Ultimax Pro, which will be used across the 2026/27 A-League Men and Ninja A-League Women seasons, incorporates Mitre’s HyperFlow, HyperFoam, HyperSeal and Delta Skin technologies.

Its debossed grooves are designed to reduce drag and improve stability in flight, while the cushioning, bonding and surface technologies are aimed at producing consistent rebound, durability and control. The ball carries FIFA Quality Pro certification, reflecting the testing standards required for professional match balls.

The technology is largely invisible to supporters. Its purpose is to make the ball behave more predictably for players, rather than fundamentally changing the football itself.

Connecting the Ball to the Digital Ecosystem: LaLiga’s Sensor-Driven Approach

LaLiga’s approach is different.

The Spanish competition has introduced a radio-frequency sensor developed by KINEXON into its PUMA match ball, with the technology being used across every LaLiga EA Sports fixture this season.

The sensor continuously transmits information about the ball’s position and the precise moment of contact. Around 12 antennas installed in each stadium capture the data and feed it into LaLiga’s wider technology infrastructure.

That gives the ball a role beyond simply being the object of play.

Knowing exactly when the ball is touched can help officials in a variety of situations. Offside, handballs, deflections and other decisions where a difference of milliseconds can affect the outcome could all benefit.

But the more interesting development may sit outside officiating.

LaLiga is using the connected ball to create xBALL, an official data layer that can feed broadcasts, digital products and future second-screen experiences. Data such as shot speed, ball spin and trajectory could all be incorporated into its media and digital products.

The ball is no longer just something that manufacturers compete to make faster, more durable or more responsive. It can also become a source of proprietary data that leagues can use to improve broadcasts, develop digital products and create new ways for supporters to understand the game.

The Ball as Part of Football’s Intelligence Layer

Mitre is refining the physical object. LaLiga is connecting that object to the digital ecosystem of the match.

Together, however, they point to the same direction of travel.

Football equipment is becoming increasingly intelligent.

The evolution is not necessarily about adding technology for its own sake. In the A-Leagues, the objective is consistency: predictable flight, touch and rebound. In LaLiga, the objective is precision and information: knowing exactly where the ball is and when it was touched.

The commercial opportunity comes from what can be built around those capabilities.

As stadiums become more connected, broadcasts become more data-rich and clubs and leagues collect increasingly detailed information about matches, the football itself can become another input into that infrastructure.

It also changes the relationship between equipment manufacturers and competitions.

A match ball used to be primarily a physical product supplied to a league. Connected technology creates the possibility of the ball becoming part of a broader technology stack involving officiating systems, broadcast platforms, analytics and fan-facing digital products.

The A-Leagues are starting with the physical performance of the ball. LaLiga is showing what can happen when that physical object becomes connected.

The next generation of football technology may not be something players wear or referees use.

It may be the ball itself.

GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is giving students new opportunities to build careers in Australia’s growing sports industry. Combining academic study with direct access to sporting organisations, venues and industry professionals. Based at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, GIS Sydney places students at the heart of Australia’s sporting landscape. The campus gives students the chance to study while surrounded by major sporting organisations and events, creating a direct connection between education and the industry they hope to join.

Students also benefit from regular access to experienced sports professionals. More than 50 guest speakers have shared their expertise with GIS students, including representatives from FIFA, Red Bull, Cricket Australia and the AFL. These sessions give students a valuable insight into the different roles and career pathways available across the sports sector. GIS Sydney delivers programs including Sports Analytics and International Sports Business in partnership with the University of Newcastle. The courses combine academic learning with opportunities for students to develop practical skills that they can take into the workplace.

Industry experience forms another important part of the student journey. GIS provides students with 140 hours of relevant work experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Students have secured placements with organisations including the Professional Football Scouts Association, Football Coaches Australia and Basketball NSW.

GIS also works with Yakka Sport to create paid employment opportunities for students while they study. This allows students to gain workplace experience while developing professional networks within the sporting community. The opportunities extend internationally, with GIS Global Sports Summits giving students access to sporting organisations and venues in destinations including London and Miami.

For students pursuing careers in sport, GIS Sydney is creating a pathway that combines education, practical experience and industry connections. By bringing students closer to the people and organisations shaping the sector, GIS is helping the next generation turn their interest in sport into professional opportunities.

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