How Nakuru Bucks FC is using AI to train and enhance safety of players
Members of Bucks FC pose for a photo during their training at ASK showground on June 2, 2024.
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the dynamic across different sectors, most individuals have decided to embrace it .
Newly launched Nakuru Bucks FC academy will be among football teams that will be leveraging AI to present better opportunities for their players in future.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu Nakuru Bucks FC director Charles Kinyanjui notes that they are welcoming the use of AI to tap into opportunity abroad, study national teams and mainly to enhance security for their players.
On the grey jersey on the right, Nakuru Bucks FC director, Charles Kinyanjui during the launch of Bucks FC academy jersey.
He notes that the academy will be a feeder team to the senior men's team currently playing in division one, as they mould the children to sharpen the skill.
Further mentioning that the academy will take in both boys and girls from age six to fifteen.
"We have partnered with Scout Global, an AI using company to get video analysis for our young players, to tell their potential and skilfulness in the sport. This data will be critical in talent development and also present opportunity for our players in international clubs," he says.
According to the Scout Global representative Absalom Robinson, the digital platform is an online market for talent within the sports arena in Africa.
" We are using AI to give statistics about players so that scouts can be able to look at this data and delve deep into the talent. We already have scouts from Spain, PSG and Qatar looking into talent in the country through the platform. This presents a better opportunity for the Nakuru child to be identified for their talent," he reveals.
Other than that, the academy through Dimba plus have digitized the marking of player attendance for trainings.
Martin Nkaari from Dimba Plus says they got into a partnership with Bucks FC academy to provide the club with a player management system for the academy.
Martin Nkaari from Dimba Plus, a sports club membership platform offering Nakuru Bucks FC academy player management system.
"We have a smart card that will be scanned each time a player arrives and leaves training. This will automatically send the guardian a message that their children have attended training, thus help the parent keep tabs on his or her child's attendance and general safety," he says.
The academy which is currently conducting it's training at the Nakuru Ask Showground, is now conducting its first cohort resignation for children with a sh 12,000 registration fee, for provision of player kits, boots, smarts card and inclusive of a two-month subscription.
After this, parents will be required to pay a sh 3,000 monthly subscription for their child's sessions.