The importance of technology in this area
Improving sporting performance
Technological advances have enabled athletes to monitor and analyse their performance in real time. Devices such as smartwatches and fitness tracking apps provide detailed data on heart rate, speed, distance travelled and other key parameters. This data helps athletes and coaches identify areas for improvement and optimise training strategies.
Injury prevention
Technology also plays a crucial role in injury prevention. From motion tracking devices to biomechanical analysis systems, athletes can identify problematic movement patterns that could lead to injury. In addition, virtual reality has been used to simulate game situations and practice injury-free movements.
Innovation in entertainment.
Technology has transformed the way fans experience sports. High-definition broadcasts, augmented reality and virtual reality have taken the viewing experience to new levels. Fans can now enjoy instant replays, multiple camera angles and real-time data during sporting events.
Refereeing and decision making
The introduction of referee assistance technology, such as VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in football, has helped minimise refereeing errors and ensure fairer decisions.
In this regard, at Telefónica we have a women’s football team, of which I am a member, and we have always had support from the company which has also allowed us to improve our training and our final results.
Now, the Telefónica team, with a total of 20 players, doesn’t let the ball stop rolling. Recently, we have finished the 15th RC Inter-company Women’s Indoor Football League Autumn-Winter 23-24 in a very successful second position due to the competitiveness of the teams in the competition, demonstrating our great quality and experience. In addition, we have two great news:
The company has signed a friendly agreement between the captains of the Movistar team and Meteco Energía Verde. Both teams are joining forces for the next 7-a-side football tournament starting in April. It is a unique alliance in which the players merge their technique, technology, sustainability, passion and, above all, the desire to continue playing a sport that is for everyone. This is what the Telefónica team has been doing for more than a decade and will continue to do so, together with Meteco in the next competition.
Their ambition and desire to continue expanding a veteran team and inter-company equality, leads us to a new futsal tournament in Mallorca, the second edition of the Mallorca Women’s Tournament.
Data Analytics and Strategy
Technology has democratised access to data and strategic information. Sports teams use advanced data analytics to evaluate player performance, identify patterns of play and develop competitive strategies. This has levelled the playing field and allowed even the smallest teams to compete with the giants of sport.
My experience with sport in a technology company
The history of the Telefónica women’s football team is shaped year after year, thanks to its players and always, hand in hand with Telefónica’s technology. The same players who want to continue the legacy of those early years, just as our company has done. Retaining talent is one of the most important factors in the new era of the labour market and the promotion of initiatives such as sport in the workplace is a good example of this. Diversity, the inclusion of all types of profiles and the pride of belonging to a brand that promotes egalitarian and respectful values give much more positive internal results than other companies. It is proven. The importance of corporate and technological support for this to happen and for us to continue celebrating another 100 or more years and titles is fundamental. Promoting equality in sport and work will be key for generations to come. Together and united, always, we will be more.
In short, technology has had a transformative impact on the world of sport, from improving individual performance to evolving the spectator experience. As technology continues to advance, it is likely to continue to play a central role in the evolution and growth of sport around the world.