The Scottish FA has today announced an exciting partnership with sports field management system specialists, Intelligent Play, as the association's campaign to improve facilities across the nation continues.
Intelligent Play use artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor pitches, allowing their owners to access in-depth, accurate data about the status of their surface and tailor maintenance accordingly.
Compact sensors capture any movement on the field, allowing owners to track their pitch's usage through an online dashboard which displays information, such as which sections of the pitch are being used more heavily than others, while also providing security benefits.
The agreement with the Scottish FA will see an Intelligent Play system installed at every new or replacement synthetic surface through investment from the Scottish FA Football Facilities Fund.
The Pitching In campaign – the vehicle to deliver the Scottish FA Football Facilities Fund - was launched at the end of 2024, aiming to raise £50m over the next five years, by working in partnership with public, private and charity sectors, to improve football facilities across the country.
Cameron Watt, National Football Facilities Manager, Scottish FA: "There is no doubt that Intelligent Play are world-leaders when it comes to sports field management and we are thrilled to enter into this partnership with them.
"The technology will be a gamechanger for clubs, as it revolutionises the way they can monitor their surface. As well as the obvious security benefits in knowing when the pitch is being used, the in-depth data can help owners maximise the surface's potential and to reduce costs around maintenance.
"We look forward to working with Intelligent Play as the Scottish FA continues its drive to improve football infrastructure across the nation."
Nick Talton, Operations Director, Intelligent Play: “We are delighted to partner with the Scottish FA and play a role in supporting their vision to improve football facilities nationwide. Intelligent Play was created to help field owners and operators unlock the full potential of their pitches by analysing each field’s usage and identifying heavily trafficked areas through our field heatmaps, providing users with the key data they need to manage usage and maintenance more effectively.
“This partnership will enable clubs across Scotland to benefit from key data insights, enhanced security, and more efficient maintenance practices. We look forward to working closely with the Scottish FA and its member clubs to deliver lasting improvements to the quality and sustainability of football surfaces across the country."