In Focus: Elite Skills - Repetition, Accelerates, Performance
Sam Roots, Head of Marketing at Elite Skills Arena (ESA) tells us how their products are helping clubs enhance their players’ performance and recovery.
What is the story behind the development of the ESA product line?
In 2016, our flagship training arena, the ICON was launched. Based on our mantra of ‘Repetition, Accelerates, Performance’, the ICON has been used by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and David Beckham. Our next development featured various ICON sizes, including the Fast Feet, our most popular arena measuring at 2.5m in diameter. It was used by Phil Foden and Jack Grealish at St. George’s Park ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We have also developed a fully interactive goal (Precision Wall) as well as a wireless modular product, which achieved industry recognition as it was shortlisted at the STA Awards for Best Technology for Injury Prevention/Rehabilitation. At the time of writing, our products have been used over 7,000,000 times.
Which clubs are you working with and how are they using the products?
Since our foundation in 2014, we have built excellent relationships with various clubs around the world who trust our equipment within their training grounds. Our Circuit was designed alongside sports scientists at FC Barcelona and we also power 10-time Premier League title winners Manchester City FC. Leicester City FC became the latest English side to purchase some of our tech, whilst fellow Championship club Southampton FC, are one of our oldest clients. Further down the pyramid Wycombe Wanderers FC joined the team recently, whilst we have just signed an agreement to become Tech Partners for Rangers FC. In total, we are proud to have over 60 clubs and national teams as clients of ESA around the globe.
How are your training programmes built to simulate real match scenarios?
As a result of thousands of hours of research, our modes have been created by a mixture of professional players, licensed coaches and industry professionals. They have been carefully designed to replicate all aspects of a game, including attacking with possession and defending out of possession. Our modes test all the key attributes a player needs to succeed including passing, scanning, dribbling, finishing, speed and stamina. In fact, when training inside our arenas, a player will perform more passes/touches in 60-seconds than they would experience in a 90-minute match, showcasing the high intensity nature of the products.
How are you using data to help players enhance their performance?
Whilst using the ESA products, they capture every interaction throughout your session via the ESA Data Hub. This provides instant access to performance data and a full detailed breakdown of key metrics for analysis and competition. This analysis can be vital for coaches and players to spot improvements and areas of weakness, so they can build a training plan to improve performance. Each user is allocated an ESA Index, which scores the player in 6 fields to build an overall profile. These can be used to benchmark players and allow for comparison against others in top academies around the world.
Does this have a use in aiding recovery from injury?
ESA training represents a safe and controlled environment where players can rehabilitate without the risk of re-injury. The products are used throughout pre-season to score players in a series of drills. These scores can then be used during the rehab phase, to give scientists and coaches a key indication of fitness levels. Tom Iaciofano from Leicester City uses our Circuit for this exact reason – He said: “It provides an additional progression in the process. This makes it easier to replicate demands in team training by utilising the reactive stimulus to increase the cognitive load as well as internal/external demands.”
As well as developing a player’s physical capacity, how does ESA help develop the psychological attributes needed to succeed in the modern game?
Scanning is becoming a key metric in the professional game, with a direct correlation between scans and performance levels. 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri was observed scanning 5–8 times in the 10 seconds leading up to receiving possession. This frequency is directly linked to improved awareness, faster processing and better outcomes when on the ball. Inside our arenas, players scanning close to 0.6 per second consistently achieved a higher overall score, creating a purposeful training environment which then can be taken onto the pitch.
How can clubs find out more about the product? If you are looking for more information on ESA and our training arenas, please visit our website: www.eliteskillsarena.com
There you will find our product range, as well as further information on the data we collect and how we use it. Alternatively, you can email: marketing@eliteskillsarena.com where you’ll be connected to a member of our team who can share with you our product catalogue.
Readers of fcbusiness Magazine can access 10% off a product order, and our team can provide live demonstrations at your training ground on request.
