Category: Sports

THE GIRLS IN GREEN LEGACY: Seeing Televised Professional Sport provides A Real Incentive To Take It Up, But Access To Local Clubs Is Vital

More than 2.4m people watched RTÉ television’s coverage of the Women’s Football World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last summer.  In that tournament, the Republic of Ireland’s game against Canada was the most watched women’s team sport event in Irish TV history with an average of 551,000 viewers.

New research from Royal London, the founding partner of the first British and Irish Lions Women’s Rugby Tour, shows the wider significance of viewing figures like these. Almost one in four (24%) of parents surveyed across Ireland say the more sport is shown on TV, the more likely their children are to take it up. Furthermore, 15% of parents in Ireland say their child took up a team sport after seeing it live professionally, and 15% say their child got into team sports as they were inspired watching a sporting role model on TV. However, the ability to play alongside their friends is also a big draw for children when it comes to sport, with more than one in three (35%) of the parents in Ireland surveyed citing the opportunity to play alongside their friends as the reason their children became interested in sport.

Over a fifth (23%) of parents in Ireland say their children have been involved in team sports due to having access to a local club. When looking at how realistic this is for children across Ireland, more than seven in ten (72%) of adults have a sports club within half an hour of their home. However, one in five (22%) have to travel longer than 30 minutes, while 6% don’t know where their local sports club is. Interestingly, while the numbers were low overall, of the women surveyed, they were seven times as likely as men not to know the location of their local sports club (7pc of women versus 1pc of men).

When reflecting on their own decision to take up team sports, 44% of adults in Ireland did so to play with friends and three in ten (30%) said it was a fun way to keep fit that wasn’t solo. A quarter (25%) were encouraged to play by a teacher or coach.

Shaunagh Brown, professional rugby player for England and Harlequins, says: “This Women’s Lions tour, the first of its kind, will allow more people to witness women playing rugby at a high level. I was interested, but not surprised, that the research showed more adults would consider taking up a team sport if they saw people who looked and sounded like them playing it. To believe you can do it, you have to see someone like you living, breathing and enjoying it. And, even if you don’t end up following a professional path with sport, the benefits you will feel from playing as part of a team in terms of greater confidence, resilience and improved social skills will be with you for the rest of your life.”

Susie Logan, chief marketing officer at Royal London says: “At present, through either a lack of airtime or wider exposure, some women’s sports have not yet been visible enough to inspire future generations.

The blend of seeing it played well on TV and taking it up with friends is key. Team sports create a community and can become an important part of a child’s development. We need to keep striving towards equality at all levels, whether that be what’s televised or at grassroots. Both are essential to create foundations for the future and give every child the inspiration and access they need to thrive playing team sport. This is why we’re proud to partner with the first British and Irish Lions Women’s Rugby Tour.

Royal London has been announced as Founding Partner of the first ever Lions Women’s team. The partnership will see Royal London invest in player development in each of The British & Irish Lions constituent Unions through the delivery of a special elite players’ Pathways Funding grant. The grants will support the elite women’s player and coach pathways in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England, to help Unions develop more players and coaches capable of being selected for the inaugural Lions Women’s Tour. In addition, Royal London will also be investing in women’s and girls’ grassroots rugby across the UK and Ireland in the run-up to the Tour.”

Enhancing the Sports Experience: The Rise of Interactive Apps

The advent of technology has seismically shifted the landscape of sports engagement, reshaping the way fans follow, comprehend, and participate in their favorite games. A crucial component of this transformation is the surge in popularity of sports apps, which offer a smorgasbord of features – from live updates to player stats, and even interactive elements.

The Sports App Revolution: Transforming Fan Engagement

Over the past decade, sports apps have witnessed a steady ascent, transforming from simple score-checking platforms to comprehensive digital companions for sports enthusiasts. These apps have fundamentally altered how fans engage with their favorite sports, with popular examples like ESPN leading the charge.

ESPN provides users with a comprehensive platform that includes live updates, in-depth analysis, and access to exclusive content such as documentaries and original series. Of course it also delivers a personalized sports experience with customizable alerts, real-time scores, and player stats across various sports.

In addition, recent research revealed that over 69% of sports fans prefer to experience sports beyond the stadium in 2023, evidencing the widespread acceptance of this technological shift. These apps cater to the modern sports fan’s desire for an immersive and interactive experience, meeting their demand for instant access to information, stats, and analysis at their fingertips.

The Technology Behind the Apps: AI, AR, and Real-time Data Processing

Powering the dynamic functionalities of these sports apps are advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and real-time data processing. Moreover, AR technology is creating immersive experiences, with apps like MLB At Bat offering users a “3D Stadium” feature. This allows fans to explore the baseball stadium in a virtual setting, truly enhancing their engagement.

In addition to AI and AR, innovations such as geolocation tracking and personalized content curation are also becoming crucial in the realm of sports apps. Geolocation capabilities allow fans to receive specific content based on their location, increasing the relevance of information they receive. Similarly, personalization algorithms learn from users’ behavior and preferences to tailor content, thus cultivating a more engaging and meaningful connection between the app and the user. The synthesis of these technologies amplifies the sports fan’s digital experience, creating an environment that extends well beyond the physical confines of the stadium.

A Look to the Future

Looking to the future, we are on the cusp of witnessing more exciting developments in the realm of sports apps. One feature that has been gaining ground recently is sports betting, weaving an extra layer of excitement for fans. Integrating this into a sports app offers users the thrill of participating directly in the game outcomes.

Moreover, virtual reality (VR) technology, blockchain-based fan engagement models, and more personalized content delivery are predicted to be the next frontiers in sports app development. A study conducted by PwC in 2023 projected that the sports technology industry could be valued at around $55 billion by the end of 2030.

The Evolution Continues

In summary, sports apps have significantly reshaped the way fans engage with sports, offering an immersive and interactive experience previously unimaginable. Bolstered by cutting-edge technologies such as AI, AR, and real-time data processing, these apps have become an integral part of the modern sports landscape. As we step into the future, the advent of features like sports betting, VR integration, and personalized content will continue to enhance the sports experience, promising an exhilarating journey for sports enthusiasts worldwide.

 

EA SPORTS FC FUTURES – A Plan To Invest $10M Globally To Grow Community Football

Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced FC FUTURES; a plan to meaningfully invest in community-level football on a global scale with the purpose of growing the game for all.

The plan will see investments over the next three years across multiple grassroots football projects. This announcement follows EA SPORTS’s new brand identity, logo and vision reveal for the interactive future of football: EA SPORTS FC.

“EA SPORTS FC is a symbol for a positive future of football, and that future will be built on providing young people with the access and tools necessary to follow their dreams,” said David Jackson, VP of Brand Marketing at EA SPORTS. “We are looking forward to partnering with football organisations and icons across the globe to inspire the next generation of young football fans and grow their love of the game.”

Today was the first of many FC FUTURES activations as EA SPORTS and the Football Foundation, the charity of The Premier League, The FA and UK Government unveiled the ‘Rocky and Wrighty Arena’ at Turnham Academy in South London. Opened by England legend Ian Wright, the pitch will provide additional football access for youth in the area and help inspire the next generation of players.

FC FUTURES will build a publicly-available library of training practices, produced in five languages, that will be available later this year for young players and community coaches to view online and use for their training plans.

Additionally, FC FUTURES will provide community access to football by supporting the creation and refurbishment of pitches, facilitated and distributed through foundations, federations and leagues.

Lastly, FC FUTURES will invest in grassroots training accessories which will deliver football equipment in the form of balls, bibs, cones and wider essential equipment.

EA SPORTS has agreed to a multi-year partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to further support community level football through consultancy from UEFA Grassroots Football Coaches and investment in UEFA Grassroots football initiatives.

“We are excited to partner with EA SPORTS and their EA SPORTS FC FUTURES programme”, said Frank K. Ludolph, Head of Technical Development at UEFA. “Through our team of UEFA technical education experts, we will work hand-in-hand with our long-term partner, EA SPORTS, to enhance our support for the grassroots game. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for UEFA’s Grassroots Programme to provide an innovative access to modern and customised training materials for the benefit of the next generation of grassroots players and fans.”

Ian Wright alongside world-renowned Chelsea Women’s Manager, Emma Hayes are the first FC FUTURES ambassadors who will work with EA SPORTS to provide further support for grassroots football.

“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for EA SPORTS FC FUTURES ” said Ian Wright. “This is where football starts, right here in our communities and investing in the game is a crucial step toward advancing global football. That starts with providing kids access to much-needed facilities in order for them to be able to play as much as possible in safe, local spaces. I’m grateful my old school can play a part in the future of football, and it’s an honour to be involved.”

“Growing up in London, I was always looking for a way to get onto the pitch,” said Emma Hayes. “I’m ecstatic that women and underrepresented talent are getting the resources many of us didn’t. FC FUTURES is a fantastic way to provide opportunities for the next generation of fans to explore and further their passion for football, and it makes me proud to be an FC FUTURES ambassador. I believe that investments like this have the power to change lives.”

EA SPORTS has defined interactive football for 30 years and built a global football community of more than 150 million across multiple platforms – a community that EA SPORTS FC will now continue to grow alongside partners who share a common goal of a fan-first future of football. Built on a foundation of inclusivity and innovation, fans will experience unrivalled authenticity with access to more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams and 30 leagues, with the support of over 300 global football partners that will allow further expansion into new areas around both women’s and grassroots football.

Fans can sign up at easports.com/fc to Join the Club and be one of the first to learn more, ahead of detailed product updates coming this July.

INTRODUCING EA SPORTS FC – The next chapter of the worlds game

Today, Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ: EA) unveiled a first glimpse of the interactive future of football, with EA SPORTS FC™ revealing its new brand vision, identity and logo. FC will become EA SPORTS platform to create, innovate and grow new football experiences, connecting hundreds of millions of fans through console, mobile, online and esports products.

Join the Club. Sign up at easports.com/fc

Over the coming days, the EA SPORTS FC brand will debut in more than 100 matches across the biggest leagues in the world. Football fans will see the new brand identity in the wild for the first time through EA SPORTS partners, including the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, WSL, NWSL, CONMEBOL and more. Voices from across the world of global football are joining EA SPORTS to begin a new era for the game, with hundreds of leagues, teams, brands and athletes sharing the EA SPORTS FC logo through their platforms today.

“This is where the story of EA SPORTS FC begins. We’re building on 30 years of leadership and history creating experiences that bring the global football community together, and continuing to take it into a fan-first future,” said Nick Wlodyka, SVP & GM, EA SPORTS FC. “EA SPORTS FC will be a symbol for the sport, a symbol of innovation and change, and we’re energized to show our fans more about the future in July.”

The new brand takes its design inspiration directly from the beautiful game and a dominant shape in football culture that represents the sport in multiple dimensions, triangles. From passing techniques to set plays, the shape has also been woven into the DNA of EA SPORTS football experiences for decades; from the isometric angles of our very first 8-bit experiences and the triangular polygons that make up every pixel of our most modern games, as well the iconic player indicator symbol that appears above every athlete in every match. You can learn more about the brand identity and design language, here.

EA SPORTS has defined interactive football for 30 years and built a global football community of more than 150 million across multiple platforms – a community that EA SPORTS FC will now continue to grow alongside partners who share a common goal of a fan-first future of football. Built on a foundation of inclusivity and innovation, fans will experience unrivaled authenticity with access to more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams and 30 leagues, with the support of over 300 global football partners that will allow further expansion into areas including both women’s and grassroots football.

Exploring the Benefits of Technological Advancements in Sports Betting

Technology has brought transformation to the way we do things, and this includes how we bet on sports. With the emergence of online betting platforms, bettors now have a much easier time placing their bets and enjoying the thrills of sports betting. If for example you want to bet on the Grand National horse racing event with the Irish Grand National odds, you can do it from literally any place in the world at any time. Not to mention that technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are now creating experiences for bettors that are more immersive and engaging than ever. This article will look at some of the benefits technologies are bringing to the sports betting industry.

How artificial intelligence is changing the face of online sports betting

Artificial intelligence has been used in sports betting for some time now. AI-powered algorithms are being used to analyze data and make predictions about upcoming games, giving bettors an edge when it comes to placing their bets. AI can also be used to identify patterns in past results, helping bettors make more informed decisions about which teams or players they should back. On top of that, AI can be used to automate certain processes such as setting odds and calculating payouts, making the entire process faster and more efficient. AI is also being used to detect suspicious activity on betting sites, helping protect customers from fraud and other malicious activities. As AI continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, it will doubtlessly continue to shape the future of online sports betting for years to come.

How blockchain is revolutionizing online sports betting

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the online sports betting industry by providing a secure, transparent and immutable platform for users to place bets. With blockchain, all transactions are recorded on a distributed ledger that is accessible to all participants in the network. This ensures that all transactions are secure and can’t be tampered with or reversed. Because they do not need to rely on third parties like banks or payment processors, blockchain-based sports betting platforms provide customers with more control over their money. Some territories, for example Japan, more and more users are leaning toward using crypto bookmakers for their high security and anonymity on transactions.

 

Compared to conventional online payment systems, blockchain technology enables quicker transaction times and offers lower charges. And since users do not have to give out personal information when using the platform to place bets, blockchain-based sports betting services offer their customers more anonymity.

Leveraging cloud computing for enhanced performance in online sports betting

Cloud computing can be a great asset for online sports betting, as it offers enhanced performance and scalability. With cloud computing, sports betting services can easily scale up or down their resources depending on the demand of their customers. This means that they won’t have to worry about running out of resources during peak times, as the cloud will automatically provide more resources when needed.

Cloud computing also improves security for websites that offer online sports betting services. You can be sure that all data is encrypted and stored safely in the cloud when utilizing a secure cloud platform. This helps protect against hostile actors like hackers that want to access sensitive data. You may also make use of enhanced analytics capabilities with cloud computing, which let you understand customer behavior and preferences to be able to tailor your services accordingly. Using cloud computing is among the best options for improving the performance of online sports betting platforms because of these qualities.

In conclusion, sports betting is now easier to access, safer to use, and more convenient than ever thanks to modern technology. Also, these technologies have made it possible for bettors to gain access to a variety of betting data and tools that they may use to guide their choice of bets  and raise their chance of winning.

Could Electronic Arts’ withdrawal from football’s governing body have lasting consequences?

2023 is a significant year as it signals the last time that Electronic Arts and football’s international governing body will be doing business together. The decision was made after the developers failed to meet FIFA’s asking price to carry on collaborating in the future. 

Show me the money

It was a seismic announcement in the tech industry given that these two companies first began a working relationship in 1993.

In truth, it has been a hugely successful partnership and a blueprint on how to succeed in business.

Having broken so many records, and enjoyed rave reviews, whilst being one of the most dependable collaborators that fans could rely on to produce high-quality products, it appears to be a surprise that the two parties failed to reach an agreement.

However, on closer inspection, it makes complete sense for the innovative developers to decide to go alone after the unmeetable financial demands they encountered in terms of renewing their existing deal.

The badly needed context here is that football’s rule-makers have made a string of questionable business choices over the last ten years which has led to profound change at the top of their organization in a bid to reverse the course they were going down. 

However, it seems as if a new broom doesn’t necessarily always sweep clean given that football’s global think tank has continued to put profit above anything else, as proposed to focusing on the long term by investing in people they have stood side by side with for three decades. 

Their decision in 2021 to part ways with their trusted partner after pricing the company out of the market is a prime example of this. Especially as the current president, Gianni Infantino had been head of the organization since 2016, five years before this agreement was ended. 

The more things change, the more they stay the same 

In essence, Infantino’s appointment was meant to serve as a powerful breath of fresh air that would blow through the dated corridors of the institution’s headquarters in Switzerland but instead, meaningful progress hasn’t been as forthcoming as people might have hoped it would. 

The crucial point to make here is that it should be said that there has been a pioneering attitude adopted to matters on the field of play, with one of the most significant changes under Infantino being a World Cup that is set to feature 48 nations instead of the previous 32. 

It is, all things considered, a staggering decision that will mean an eye-watering 104 matches at the event in 2026. With such drastic changes, naturally comes uncertainty about what to expect and indeed who could win, even if Betway has, as of the 16th of March, priced Brazil as the outright favourites at odds of 6/1. The truth is that no one knows what Infantino’s new format in North America will realistically look like or how well the tournament will be received.

In essence, this isn’t necessarily the type of change that people have been asking for with the organization continuing to act in a way that perhaps could be best described as serving their own interests instead of the greater good. 

Electronic Arts left high and dry 

Essentially, the broader point is that their decision to terminate their long-standing collaboration with Electronic Arts is a change of direction, yes, but it is one that a vast amount of people would have been against. In this sense, the company is making changes but ones that could be detrimental to its reputation. 

Additionally, it does speak volumes that there was seemingly little room for negotiation when the request was to find some middle ground in order to preserve one of the most iconic partnerships in the world of technology. 

But it is the terminology that the institution used in the parting statement that reveals how little awareness there seemingly is of how they are perceived globally after they said: “it is clear that this needs to be a space that is occupied by more than one party controlling all rights.”

In other words, to imply that a group of developers are the ones guilty of trying to seek absolute power is ironic, and given that they have now, albeit reluctantly, had to walk away, a light will be shone on how Infantino’s company treats its established partners which will hopefully inspire genuine change going forward. 

How Sports Apps Are Protecting Your Data And Safeguarding Against Security Breaches

With the new year comes the start of a new season for many of your favorite sports. Also new this year was the launching of many online Sportsbooks in a few states. Coincidentally, with the state of Massachusetts set to launch online sports betting next month, BetMGM Massachusetts will have all the best sign-up bonuses for those looking to try their luck when Ireland’s own Conor McGregor steps back into the octagon for the UFC later this year.

As such, it’s now much easier to bet on your favorite players and teams. However, for those experienced bettors who may be used to placing their physical bets at a casino or retail sports betting site, there may be a legitimate concern for the security of their personal data. The challenge now is to assure potential users that they can trust that their information is secure. 

Setting up an online account usually requires some transferring of information, at least enough to advance past its age restrictions. Alternatively, if an individual who wished to wager a sizable amount of cash were to do so at a casino, such information would not necessarily be compulsory. Also, many geo-tracking devices will prevent bettors from placing wagers outside their place of residence or registration. 

Prior to the legalization of sports betting, in many states, it has been stipulated that sensitive information should be encrypted by all applications that store personal data. This in turn helped to institute a foundation for mobile regulations relating to sports betting. 

 

One of the legislations stated by many of the sports betting apps is that a user’s account must only be funded through an electronic, bank-to-bank transfer only if the operator has appropriate internal controls to guard against payment frauds or breaches. Payments like these (ACH transfers) have to be processed through the Automated Clearing House.

In addition, even stricter measures have been put in place to shelter customers. As many casinos and sportsbook sites accept credit card transactions and save deposits for patrons, they are also expected to meet Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance standards. This is an incentive so companies are encouraged to create a secure environment for credit card transactions. 

Online gaming businesses, as well as sportsbook operators, must comply with the Bank Secrecy Act and the other requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Under federal law, all casinos must file a Currency Transaction Report on single or multiple transactions (minimum of $10,000) by any individual on a single day. 

Usually, when a customer places a bet, the supplier may only receive a reference number to identify that particular transaction and basic information such as the user’s location. The remaining personal information is gathered by the sportsbook in order to build its customer database. A few sportsbooks also provide security to guard against user liabilities. For example, MGM guarantees its customers cannot lose more than $50 if they fall victim to any unauthorized monetary transfers or upon proof of identity fraud. The claims must be made within two days of the occurrence. 

All licensed sports apps are required by law to utilize the most updated encryption techniques. Most use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to encrypt server-to-server communication. Sports apps are not exempt from this legislation, and as such, they may use SSL encryption and sometimes even offer password security in an attempt to further secure your information. 

However, although most sportsbooks around the globe use SSL encryption certificates to prevent breaches in transaction data, mobile sportsbook applications may not always offer this same feature. Hence, users need to remain aware of the APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) on their mobile platforms, as any app utilizing this feature can restrict the possibility of a breach during information transfers. Any application lacking this authorization may be susceptible to a data breach. 

Any sports app can be the target of a cyberattack, and as a result, these security issues can affect not only the established sports industry but the online sports industry as well. Users must also be vigilant in remaining aware of security measures and the steps to be taken if a data breach is suspected. The process of creating an account, performing a cash transaction, placing a bet, and cashing out should be as seamless and simple as possible. Anything otherwise may lead to possible scams or hacks. 

One of the top priorities of online sportsbook apps is to ensure that their users’ information is kept private because the reputation of the business depends on it. Users can remain confident that their information remains secure as long as the sport application has taken the necessary steps to guard against breaches in data. 

1080p VS 720p: Which One Should You Invest In?

According to most people, there is little or no noticeable difference between 1080p (full HD) and 720p (HD). However, if you pay close attention, you’ll definitely notice that 1080p gives a smoother and clearer image. As a matter of fact, for the last few years, 1080p projectors such as Wemax Dice have become popular and more available on the market.

These projectors perform better than before, with more advancement on every new product release. However, they aren’t the only contenders; 720p projectors also receive some attention from consumers. Unfortunately, they aren’t as popular in media as they used to be, something that has resulted in their price surge to $1,500, with others selling at $1,000. Despite this, 720p projectors still deliver impeccable picture quality for the budget.

So, the main question here is: which one is better, between 1080p and 780p?

Obviously, many consumers prefer 1080p projectors, and it is for valid reasons. So, if you want the best and high picture quality, 1080p will be perfect. These projectors give you the highest resolution, better contrast, black levels, and video processing. Some of these qualities you can’t find in cheaper models. But, if you’re working on a minimal budget, a 720p projector will serve you well.

720p Is Better for DVD and HD Sports Broadcasts

Here’s why 720p might be a better choice. For starters, most people still watch standard definition DVDs, while a few have upgraded to Blu-ray. Probably this is because there are plenty of DVDs out there, while Blu-ray discs aren’t as many. Therefore, if you use DVDs as your viewing material or HD sports on broadcast HDTV, 1080p projectors won’t do you any good. Regarding image quality, they will only produce what the 720p produces. This is because all HD sports broadcasts from ESPN, Fox, and ABC are usually in 720p. As a result, they will look as clear when displayed on a 720p projector. So, if you have a 1080p projector, it won’t make these broadcasts appear better or higher in terms of resolution simply because the signals are up to 720 lines of video information per frame.

On the other hand, standard definition DVD has 480 lines of video per frame. If you’re using a 720p projector, the signal will be rescaled to 720 lines, while on a 1080p projector, it will be rescaled to 1080p lines. What this means is that if you’re using a high-quality DVD player or processor, there’s a possibility that the images on the 1080p projector will be better than those from the 720p projector. But the difference isn’t noticeable unless you pay close attention. That’s because a DVD’s picture quality is limited to 480 lines per video information frame; therefore, the source doesn’t utilize the full resolution power of any of the two projectors.

720p Is Better for Prime Time Television Programmes

Although a high percentage of the population is interested in DVD and HD sports broadcasts, the remaining few have their preferences. Probably you prefer watching prime-time television programs on NBC, CBS, and other networks. Such types of broadcasts are usually in 1080p. Newer versions of 1080p projectors don’t have the ability to make this type of programming any better than 720p projectors. As a matter of fact, there is no difference since once the 1080i signals get into the 720p displays, they look better than you can imagine.

But, there might be a minor difference in the image quality from 1080p projectors. They produce a sharper image from HDTV 1080i broadcasts, and this is due to a higher resolution that you might notice, depending on how far/close from the screen you’re seated. Bottom line is, by using a 1080p projector, you’ll only get a slightly better picture than from a 720p projector. So, if you’re working under a tight budget and looking for a projector for DVD and HDTV use, a 720p projector will give good results.

Looking for the Best Possible Video Picture?

If you’re looking for the best possible video picture quality, you should get the 1080p projector. You might also need a Blu-ray player to make it better. By now, Blu-ray is the best video source on the market, and it comes with a full 1920×1080 resolution per video frame. The pictures look better when displayed on a 1080p projector. So, suppose you are a video fanatic who is ready to spend money on video technology. In that case, you should consider getting a Blu-ray player and one of the newly released projectors, such as the Wemax Dice.

Although this combination might make you think 1080p projectors are worth investing in, don’t get carried away by the hype. You can still work with the low-priced 720p projectors and enjoy great picture quality. 

One-Zero Sports and Technology Conference returns to Dublin in March 2023

Attendees of the One-Zero conference at the Aviva Stadium on the 29th and 30th March will be treated to some fascinating insights from sports, business and technology thought leaders. The event has just confirmed several new speakers to the line-up, including Thomas Ryan, VP of Basketball Strategy and Analytics at the NBA, Will Symon, Head of Partnership Development at Tottenham Hotspur, and Keily Blair, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at Only Fans.

Ryan’s role at the NBA is to manage the Technology and Innovation function, which focuses on advancing and growing the game through cutting-edge initiatives, products, and partnerships. Symon has over a decade of experience in Premier League and global motorsport, having previously held senior commercial roles at Formula 1 and Formula E before taking responsibility at Spurs for delivering commercial growth across a variety of partnership verticals.

Blair’s role at internet content subscription service Only Fans is to formulate, drive and communicate the company’s strategic initiatives and future goals to users, commercial partners, and other key stakeholders. She will be speaking at One-Zero about how Only Fans provides a safe and innovative platform for athletes and sports training.

Also confirmed in the speaker line-up is former professional footballer Marvin Sordell, who retired from the game aged 28 to prioritise his mental health, before co-founding film production company Oneighty Productions and influencer marketing agency SWOOP. With other guests announced today including Tobi Wakefield, the Managing Director of Jlingz Sports, one of Europe’s foremost E-Sports organisations, and Sam Jefferies, Commercial Director of Norwich City Football Club, the three-day conference is set to attract some of the biggest names from international rights-holders, sponsors, brands and agencies for learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities.

Speaking at the reveal of further exciting guests today, One-Zero Chairman and Co-Founder Ross O’Dwyer said, “It’s incredible to be able to announce such a strong calibre of guests as One-Zero makes its long anticipated return to Dublin. Each speaker offers their own unique perspective based on their own experiences in the sports, business or technology sectors, and we are confident that every attendee will leave the Aviva feeling they have learned something. Our aim is to deliver cutting edge guests and we aren’t done yet. We will be announcing further exciting speakers very soon.”

Will Symon, Head of Partnership Development at Tottenham Hotspur said, “I’m excited to attend this year’s One-Zero to talk about the increasing convergence of sports and technology. At THFC, the topic has never been more important as we roll out new technologies at our state-of-the-art stadium, increase digital touchpoints with our fans and enhance the performance of our athletes.”

Tickets for the event are available via www.one-zero.com, with an early bird offer of €249 (ex VAT) running until the 28th of February.