Football startup creates new VR tech for Premier League clubs

A Manchester-based virtual reality (VR) startup has launched new technology aimed at helping football clubs keep their squads in top form.

Mi-Hiepa Scout, created through a joint venture between developers Mi and sports data company Hiepa, has designed a system to help with rehabilitating players and securing fresh talent.

The company said it worked with Premier League clubs, physiotherapists and sports scientists to develop the VR technology and is preparing for a full roll out this season.

Mi-Hiepa Scout’s system uses a proprietary limb tracking mechanism that analyses the movement of a player’s feet and shins independently in 3D.

Adam Dickinson, the firm’s production and development director, said: “Our system helps get players better mentally and physically through individual training drills.

“From a talent spotting perspective, it provides an objective, sterile environment, meaning all players have exactly the same conditions and can be compared equally.”

He continued: “A youngster could go through our tests in 30 minutes and you would get objective data about their ability and performance. You could test 1,000 players a week as a first point of filter.

“One of the problems many clubs are trying to solve is player engagement during rehab after an injury has occurred. This product certainly does that while providing valuable data for players, coaches and club performance analysts.”

Manchester accountancy firm Alexander Knight & Co is advising Mi-Hiepa Scout.

Alexander Knight & Co founder Murray Patt commented: “The professional world of sport is increasingly looking at technology to amplify the recovery time of injured athletes.

“The management team at Mi-Hiepa Scout has got strong credentials and connections in the world of football and there is no doubt that the growth plans for the business are impressive. We’re delighted to be advising the team.”

The Mi-Hiepa Scout team is also being advised by Gary Black of Manchester law firm Freeman Fisher.

Gary said: “It’s great to see a local company making huge waves in the VR world within the sporting arena.

“Manchester is already known as being one of the leading cities in sporting success and Mi-Hiepa Scout is making sure that our city is seen as the leading city when it comes to technology in sport.”