The Evolution of Technology in Grassroots Sports: Insights from Shrewsbury Up and Comers FC
Frederik Hvillum
Grassroots sports have traditionally faced challenges around accessing high-quality technology and data to develop players effectively. However, advancements like Veo Cameras are changing the game for clubs at every level.
Tom Reynolds, First Team Manager at Shrewsbury Up and Comers FC, a Step 7 club, shares valuable insights into how technology is being embraced to help players grow:
“Being a Step 7 club, we need to get players doing the basics well. With Veo Analytics, we can help players improve their game. The 2D map is great for player positioning and pitch geography. Possession is an important aspect of the game, so we use the possession stat data to make sure we keep the ball in the right areas of the pitch.”
Thanks to detailed video and data analysis, clubs like Shrewsbury can evaluate player performance meticulously and fine-tune their tactics accordingly:
“We use analytics to make sure players are listening to what has been instructed of them in the game. Set pieces are also very important at this level, so we analyze this area.”
Technology also supports diverse learning styles among players:
“We show players clips of the game where they have done well or need to improve. Some players prefer visual learning rather than verbal, so it’s good to have this tool.”
Video and data insights additionally help coaches evaluate the effectiveness of their training methods and adjust for continuous improvement:
“We look at the analytics game by game to see where we have gaps and need improvement. The pass strings stat gives players that challenge. Can we keep the ball for long periods?”
One concrete example showcases the power of data-informed strategy:
“In a certain game, we wanted to make sure we played longer passes to play in the opposition’s final third more and utilize our pace in attacking areas by hitting space behind the opposition’s back line. The pass location stat after the game proved that the team listened, and it helped us get a win.”
This example reflects a broader trend where grassroots sports increasingly benefit from accessible, affordable technology such as Veo Analytics, enabling clubs and players to develop more strategically and effectively from the ground up.
The integration of video and data into grassroots coaching is not only elevating game performance but also transforming how players learn, coaches teach, and teams grow together.
