An increasing number of RHFA players will benefit from using hi-tech training aids, thanks to key sponsor Treasure8, owners of the Realize health food brand.
The Ricki Herbert Football Academy introduced a set of GPS trackers last year which enable coaches to monitor every movement by a player during games or training sessions.
Used by players in the Waikato, and for sessions involving the academy’s national squads, the technology is the same as used by professional players at the highest levels in the game.
Academy founder Ricki Herbert said the trackers had proved successful and Treasure8’s continued investment would enable more trackers to be bought and introduced to other centres.
“We’re really grateful for the sponsorship because it enables us to gather valuable data about individual players, training sessions or games and to establish benchmarks for performance,” Herbert said.
The units – a sample is shown in the main photograph – fits snugly into a vest worn beneath a player’s shirt.
When data is uploaded from it, coaches can study an accurate ‘map’ of the ground and distance covered by each player, enabling analysis of movement, speeds and workrate.
“While a coach can get an impression of these key measures based on experience, nothing beats having the accurate data.
“Technology is being increasingly used in sport and it’s important we are at the leading edge, to give our players the best opportunities to develop.”
The Treasure8 corporation, a San Francisco-based food innovation and technology company, is on a mission to solve the nutritional challenges and environmental stresses of a growing global population.
The Treasure8 team develops, produces and deploys game-changing, delicious food ingredients, processes and products that are healthier for people and the planet.
They also create engaging consumer experiences that encourage better food choices.
Click here for more information about their partnership with the Ricki Herbert Football Academy.