The Scottish FA has announced a new partnership with sports field management specialist Intelligent Play, aimed at helping clubs across the country better maintain and manage their playing surfaces.
Intelligent Play uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor pitch conditions, giving facility operators detailed information on how their surfaces are being used and where maintenance may be required.
The partnership will see Intelligent Play technology installed at every new or replacement synthetic pitch funded through the Scottish FA Football Facilities Fund. The system uses compact sensors to track movement on the field, with an online dashboard providing insights into pitch usage, including areas that experience heavier wear.
As well as supporting maintenance planning, the technology is expected to offer additional security benefits for clubs and facility operators.
The initiative forms part of the Scottish FA’s wider Pitching In campaign, launched towards the end of 2024. The campaign aims to raise £50 million over five years through partnerships with the public, private and charity sectors, with the goal of improving football facilities across Scotland.
Cameron Watt, National Football Facilities Manager, Scottish FA: “There is no doubt that Intelligent Play are world-leaders when it comes to sports field management and we are thrilled to enter into this partnership with them.
“The technology will be a gamechanger for clubs, as it revolutionises the way they can monitor their surface. As well as the obvious security benefits in knowing when the pitch is being used, the in-depth data can help owners maximise the surface’s potential and to reduce costs around maintenance.
“We look forward to working with Intelligent Play as the Scottish FA continues its drive to improve football infrastructure across the nation.”
Nick Talton, Operations Director, Intelligent Play: “We are delighted to partner with the Scottish FA and play a role in supporting their vision to improve football facilities nationwide. Intelligent Play was created to help field owners and operators unlock the full potential of their pitches by analysing each field’s usage and identifying heavily trafficked areas through our field heatmaps, providing users with the key data they need to manage usage and maintenance more effectively.
“This partnership will enable clubs across Scotland to benefit from key data insights, enhanced security, and more efficient maintenance practices. We look forward to working closely with the Scottish FA and its member clubs to deliver lasting improvements to the quality and sustainability of football surfaces across the country.”
