The Irish sports tech industry is encouraging women to join its Digital Athlete programme, designed to help people build careers in the growing sector.
Participants in the programme, which is a collaboration between Technology Ireland Digital Skillset and SportsTech Ireland, would achieve a recognised data analytics accreditation and a mentored work placement at a sports tech company in Ireland.
The Digital Athlete organisers are targeting women who enjoy sport and have a digital mindset with their first wave of recruitment. Applicants don't necessarily need deep technology knowledge.
They are looking for "women who love sport and are open to developing new digital skills in a dynamic environment which provides active involvement with sports tech companies."
Sports tech companies work across IoT, sports performance, data analytics, broadcast, wearable tech, fan engagement, e-sports and sports e-commerce, and Ireland is home to firms such as Stats Perform, Orreco, Kitman Labs, DraftKings, Fitbit, Strava.
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Globally, the global sports tech market was valued at $17.9bn in 2021 and is projected to growth to $41bn by 2026. The sub-sector of the sports data analytics market is predicted to reach almost $6bn by 2026.
Commenting on the launch of Digital Athlete, Maire Hunt, Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet Network Director, said: “Through the Digital Athlete programme, sports enthusiasts can now fully participate in the digital revolution. We are running the first programme specifically for women to help them access the many job opportunities that are out there."
"The Digital Athlete programme is looking for people with a passion for sports coupled with a digital mindset. With the right interests and mindset, our expert group of tutors and mentors will provide the skills in data analysis and innovation, familiarisation with the different areas within SportsTech, interaction with SportsTech company leaders and an opportunity to see what it’s like working in a SportsTech company."
Grainne Barry, SVP of operations at Stats Perform, said: “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 SportsTech companies to participate in the development of skill sets needed for the industry as it embraces digital transformation and the evolution of fan engagement."
Martina Skelly, director of SportsTech Ireland, said: “SportsTech Ireland is excited to be part of Digital Athlete, with the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet. The industry of sport has changed as teams, leagues, broadcasters, have embraced new technologies and digital opportunities. As a technology industry, SportsTech is moving mainstream.
“We know that Ireland is a leader in the global SportsTech sector, and many great career opportunities exist in this exciting space. Focused on the convergent career of Sport with Tech, our companies want to ensure that women can fully avail of the new career opportunities that SportsTech can offer.
"So, we are calling for women who are interested in sport to apply and let us help open new opportunities for you through the Digital Athlete programme."
Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet and SportsTech Ireland plan to announce a new suite of domain-specific programmes to train candidates to meet industry challenges next year.
Photo: Stats Perform SVP of operations and founder of Sports Tech Ireland Grainne Barry and Martina Skelly, co-founder of Sports Tech Ireland. (Pic: Keith Wiseman)
