Future of data and technology in football

This course explores the emerging technologies that will shape the future of football analytics, from advanced tracking systems and live data pipelines to machine learning, LLMs, and AI-driven decision tools. Learners will understand how innovations such as computer vision, skeleton tracking, body-orientation models, and contextual load monitoring are transforming the way clubs analyze performance, manage fatigue, and make in-match tactical adjustments. The course also examines how AI is revolutionizing scouting and recruitment: from automated LLM-generated scouting reports and narrative “wordalisation,” to web scraping, social-media analysis, and multimodal data pipelines. Finally, learners will explore cutting-edge developments in performance AI, including reinforcement-learning concepts inspired by AlphaZero, supervised learning for tactical tagging, and AI assistant-coach systems that recognize patterns across thousands of match situations. By completing this course, learners will gain a forward-looking understanding of how machine learning, automation, and next-generation data systems will redefine competition, recruitment, coaching, and performance across the football industry

• Explore how AI, ML, and tracking technologies will shape the future of football analysis
• Understand LLMs, wordalisation, and automated scouting workflows
• Discover how supervised and reinforcement learning can power next-generation tactical and performance systems

• No deep prior experience is required, but basic computer and internet skills are helpful
• Ability to read course instructions in English and complete short practice activities