Whether you’re a pro soccer player on the pitch, or just play one on a video game console, Adidas’ latest technology is sure to peak your interest. Adidas and Major League Soccer announced that the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 25 in Philadelphia will be the world’s first “smart soccer match” and will feature the new micoach professional soccer team tracking system. The announcement follows the launch of the world’s first smart cleat, the adizero f50 micoach.
Touted to be the next step in player performance technology, the micoach system, comprised of the smart cleat and supporting software, provides coaches with real time performance metrics on the players’ position, power output, speed, distance covered, intensity of play, acceleration and GPS heat mapping. The technology is expected to change the way coaches and players evaluate performance, not to mention offer a new hi-tech way for soccer fans to keep track of players’ stats. Analysis will be viewable on an iPad app and on computers.
In addition to trial runs with European clubs and multplie national teams, the technology was tested and developed in collaboration with MLS. Patrik Nilsson, president of Adidas America said the All-Star Game is an ideal stage for the system’s debut. “MLS understands digital innovation is the future of team sports and we are proud to make the MLS All-Star Game the world’s finest smart competition,” he stated.
