#TecnologíayCantera17 completed its first edition with a record of attendance in an unbeatable environment at the WiZink Center in Madrid.

With experts from clubs, leagues and innovation partners in attendance, it was a clear reflection of the concern the Spanish sports industry has regarding the need for promoting innovation and the exposure of technology solutions.

During the event, specialists analysed the latest issues an challenges presented by digital transformation, the use of technology and the improvement in the management of training centers and academies in Spain.

The programme was headed by four club presentations on different topics whilst technological solutions were also analysed and a networking space was available to share points of view and projects.

The day began with José Luís García of Villarreal CF, who exposed the exhaustive analysis that the performance team is doing to the routine of footballers to avoid injuries, using technology to be precise and take better preventive measures.

Later, Antonio Jiménez del Real Betis Balompié explained how he manages the digital transformation of his club, relying on start-ups, collaborators and fans. He also exposed the need of improving the organisational culture in Spanish clubs, starting with the technological professionalisation of the staff and perform investment in improving the facilities.

Ignacio Urata of the IE University Sports Monitoring Lab gave a brief review of the current situation of the Football Academies in Spain, concluding that the management is very positive but also indicating the need to continue improving through logistical procedures and quality controls like those applied by Toyota.

Before the end of the morning session James Demounfort showed how Uscoutfor explained how they developed an automated video-analysis tool capable of detecting skills and communicating them in real time from anywhere worldwide.

The project seeks to support regions where there are not enough scouts or analysis resources, where the talent may get lost along the way.

The afternoon session began with FC Barcelona’s Raúl Peláez, showing the principles of one of the most famous academies on the planet. He explained how FCB gives priority to prepare integrity people before top class players.

Raúl also emphasised the need to concentrate organisational knowledge to leave a permanent legacy. He also explained the importance to understand players are now “Millennials” so the type of training and facilities should suit this profile.

In the penultimate session of the day Toni Hernández, of the Academy and José Ramón Lluna of the Technological area of ​​Valencia CF, explained the organisational structure of the academy and how it interacts with the technology services to improve the day-by-day performance and how they seek constant innovation.

At the last session, Julio Pernía, Director General of “Tecnología y Cantera” and CEO of director11 gave a review of the current technological situation of football club academies in Spain, highlighting the importance of integrating IT in all club´s facilities mixed with the use of video analysis, big data, GPS, tools Scouting analysis, wearables and technology for physical rehabilitation.

He explained that this technology loses power if it is not supported by integration systems accessible to all areas and profiles of the club.

Finally, he pointed out the immediate future of the technology in football academies, going through artificial intelligence, neuro-coaching, virtual reality, IOT and the use of drones.

The future expectations of “Technology and Academies” are very positive.

For 2018 director11 through its CEO Julio Pernía explained the event will seek to give a greater scope by closing collaboration agreements with greater institutional partners and opening the event to the international participation with speakers, delegates and solutions from Europe and America.