Guest blog (our squad): playerdata
Credit: Anita Milas
Levelling the technology playing field at the Homeless World Cup Events
As the Homeless World Cup gears up for this year’s tournament in Seoul, it's the perfect time to reflect on the success of previous tournaments and the positive role that technology has played in recent years.
Since 2018, PlayerData has been the official data partner of the Homeless World Cup, providing access to our elite level GPS tracking and analysis at tournaments across the world. At PlayerData, our mission aligns perfectly with the Homeless World Cup, with our quest to revolutionise the way athletes train and bridge the gap between grassroots and professional level sport, while building a community for athletes from all backgrounds and corners of the globe to come together with their shared passion.
In 2018, PlayerData embarked on our first Homeless World Cup making the journey to Mexico. With ambitions to test our technology on a larger scale, our team seized the opportunity to field-test our brand new technology amidst the bustling atmosphere of the tournament. Despite facing challenges and unforeseen obstacles, such as torrential rain and lack of wifi, the experience proved invaluable. The event served as a crucial learning curve, paving the way for future advancements and refinement of our technology as well as how best to utilise our expertise to support future tournaments.
PlayerData and their GPS tracking units at Cardiff 2019
Cardiff 2019: A Year of Innovation and Dedication
The Welsh capital, Cardiff, played host to a truly unforgettable event in 2019: the 17th edition of the Homeless World Cup! This inspiring tournament brought together 480 players from 46 countries, all united by their love for the beautiful game and their journeys of overcoming homelessness.
Building on the learnings from the previous tournament in Mexico, our commitment to the Homeless World Cup was unwavering. So much so that following Mexico, our team redesigned and upgraded our player tracking technology, transitioning from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to GPS for improved accuracy and detail. This innovative approach allowed our new PlayerData GPS to provide in-game analytics for every match on a single pitch, offering valuable insights to coaches for strategising their next games.
It was clear however that the Homeless World Cup is about so much more than just football. Under the passionate leadership of actor Michael Sheen, the tournament transformed Cardiff into a week-long festival of inspiration. This unforgettable event in Cardiff showcased the power of football to unite individuals, spark important conversations, and bring hope to those facing homelessness. Something that will stay with our team at the Cardiff event for years to come.
Credit Donnie Nicholson: Mel Young, HWC co-founder with Beth Gray, Chief Operating Officer at PlayerData (Sacramento 2023 Homeless World Cup)
Sacramento 2023: A Celebration of Resilience and Unity
In 2023, the Homeless World Cup made a triumphant return in Sacramento, California. The week-long event saw 400 players from across the globe reunited at California State University, Sacramento as the tournament returned after a four-year hiatus, due to the pandemic.
Our unwavering support remained steadfast as we continued our mission at PlayerData to revolutionise athlete training and promote inclusivity across all levels of the game. The tournament provided a platform for athletes from all backgrounds to showcase their talent and resilience, inspiring spectators and participants alike. Our PlayerData GPS technology played a pivotal role in providing quick and easy access to athlete data and insights, empowering athletes to maximise their potential and elevate their performance on the field.
The Sacramento Homeless World Cup saw the introduction of a game-changer for this year’s tournament: PlayerData leaderboards! This exciting addition, a first for the Homeless World Cup, proved to be a hit. Players and coaches couldn’t wait to get their hands on the post-game data provided by their PlayerData GPS trackers. It fueled a whole new level of excitement and friendly competition amongst the players. With each passing tournament, our goal at PlayerData is to keep upping our game in the hope of making each Homeless World Cup experience even more incredible than the last.
Sacramento 2023 PlayerData Leaderboard
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future of Collaboration
As everyone prepares for this year’s upcoming Homeless World Cup event in Seoul, our PlayerData team who have helped support numerous unforgettable tournaments over the years reflect on the profound impact of these events and the enduring partnership between PlayerData and the Homeless World Cup. Through innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for social change, we continue to champion the transformative power of sport in creating a more inclusive and compassionate world. Together, we look forward to writing the next chapter of the Homeless World Cup journey, united in our commitment to empowering athletes and driving positive change on and off the field.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable journey of the Homeless World Cup, where football transcends boundaries, unites communities, and inspires hope for a brighter future.
Credit: Anita Milas
We appreciate PlayerData sharing their experience with us and of course their continued support of the Homeless World Cup since 2018. To find out more about PlayerData EDGE FIFA Quality football GPS trackers visit their website www.playerdata.com