The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) successfully delivered a two-day event that brought together 55 aspiring data analysts with leading industry experts.

FAI Datathon presented data analysts, researchers and sports technology professionals with a challenge to tackle a real football problem using real football data.

The event created a collaborative, cross-functional problem-solving environment that guided the participants through the challenge, with the support of qualified mentors from around the world.

FAI Head of Performance Support Jason Cowman said: “It was fantastic to complete the first ever FAI Datathon and it was clear to see how much each of the participants benefitted from the experience, which, in turn, will hopefully boost Irish football as a whole.

“The event would not have been possible without the partnership with TU Dublin and the brilliant mentors who provided unique insights and expertise across both days.

“The importance of utilizing data in football has never been greater to ensure that we continue to use the correct ways to maximise performance for our individual players and our teams.”

Mentorship was provided by the FAI, the Irish Football Association, US Soccer, the KNVB, the Irish Rugby Football Union, the Rugby Football Union (England), clubs including Atlético Madrid, Como 1907, Brentford, Arsenal, Atletico Mineiro, Athletico Paranaense, Chicago Fire, São Paulo, Hamburger SV, BK Häcken,  as well as the international football institute in Munich, UK universities, Irish universities, Kitman Labs, STATSports and Orreco.

Group Stage Gremlins and Extreme Value Strikers were named joint winners. Working with 2025 FIFA Men's Under-17 World Cup data, Extreme Value Strikers showed that running more does not buy control of a match, while out-sprinting the opponent does, and Group Stage Gremlins built an interactive coaching tool linking a team’s control of a game to the scoreline. Three to four teams will now be offered the opportunity to develop their work further with the FAI’s analysts.

FAI Datathon was supported by prize partners Twelve Football and the Association of Sports Performance Analysts (ASPA). Twelve provided prizes for the winning team and participants, while ASPA is offering a fee waiver for ASPA accreditation to the winning teams and 50% off for all entrants.