Course participants will pick up data analytics skills and receive a mentored work placement at one of Ireland’s many sports-tech companies.
Players in Ireland’s sports-tech industry have come together to create a data analytics conversion course and encourage more women into the sector.
The initiative from Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet and SportsTech Ireland is called Digital Athlete. It is a career pathway programme for everyone, however the first wave of recruitment is aimed at women.
Digital Athlete is seeking women who love sports and are interested in technology, although extensive tech skills are not a prerequisite.
On completion of the 10-week programme, participants will achieve a recognised data analytics accreditation and a paid, mentored work placement in a sports-tech company in Ireland.
The sports-tech sector covers areas such as sports performance, analytics, IoT, wearable tech and more. Ireland is becoming a global centre in this space, with companies including Stats Perform, Output Sports, Orreco, Strava and Kitman Labs.
According to Martina Skelly, director of the non-profit SportsTech Ireland cluster, “sports-tech is moving mainstream”.
“The industry of sport has changed as teams, leagues, broadcasters have embraced new technologies and digital opportunities. We know that Ireland is a leader in the global sports-tech sector, and many great career opportunities exist in this exciting space.”
Gráinne Barry, SVP of operations at Stats Perform and co-founder of SportsTech Ireland, said her company is “committed to driving diversity and inclusion” within the industry.
“The Digital Athlete women’s programme provides an opportunity for us to work with new talent identification and development initiatives. The Digital Athlete programme enables sports-tech companies to participate in the development of skillsets needed for the industry as it embraces digital transformation and the evolution of fan engagement.”
For more information about Digital Athlete, see Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet’s website.
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