Introduction
Garforth Town AFC, competing in the NPL Division One East (step four), is an ambitious club focused on improving their training and overall performance. Co-chairman Andy Hey shared insights into how the PitcheroGPS Team Bundle has revolutionised their training approach and supported their journey toward greater achievements on and off the pitch.
Challenges and Objectives
Before integrating PitcheroGPS, Garforth Town recognised that while they were among the fittest teams—evident from their promotion the previous year—they needed a way to quantify and build on their physical performance data. The club's goal was to adopt a data-driven approach to maximise training effectiveness and monitor player recovery, ultimately fostering an environment of continuous improvement and professionalism.
Implementation of PitcheroGPS
The adoption of the PitcheroGPS Team Bundle marked a turning point for the club's training methodology. The players were initially interested to discover who was the fastest and who covered the most distance. The use of data, shared by one of the team in their group chat, provided players with near-instant feedback and further motivated them to push their limits.
Co-chairman Andy Hey highlighted the simplicity of the system: “It’s so easy. A really easy to use web app and just press a button to turn on the trackers. From the start, we received a straightforward setup guide and a video walkthrough on using the software.” This ease of use allowed seamless integration, ensuring that everyone from coaches to the physio team could leverage the data effectively.
Impact on Training and Recovery
The real-time metrics offered by PitcheroGPS, including heat maps and acceleration data, proved invaluable for both players and the coaching staff. The physio team used this data to monitor player exertion levels during games and training sessions, which informed tailored recovery protocols. This capability enabled Garforth Town to keep their athletes in optimal condition and prevent potential injuries by addressing areas that needed attention early on.
A Shift in Club Culture
The use of advanced metrics not only reinforced a competitive spirit among players but also signified a broader cultural shift towards treating athletes as professionals. “Everything at the moment is data-driven, and gone are the days in football with just the wet sponge and the manager shouting from the sideline,” Hey remarked. This statement encapsulates the modern approach Garforth Town is taking, aligning with the club's aspiration to continually elevate their standards.
Integration with Other Club Services
Garforth Town’s commitment to professionalism extends beyond training. The club’s decision to upgrade to the Pitchero Pro package for their website, which they have used for years, aligns with their holistic strategy to present themselves as a professional outfit. This upgrade has enhanced their digital presence, allowing them to share news stories and media seamlessly and attract more supporters, further solidifying their reputation.
Conclusion
Garforth Town AFC’s experience with the PitcheroGPS Team Bundle showcases how even clubs at step four can integrate data analytics to push their training and match preparation to new levels. The club’s ability to use real-time data has not only improved training efficiency but also fostered a sense of professionalism among players. As Hey stated, “If you are a club that wants to take your training and game day preparation to the next level, it’s absolutely something that you’ve got to be doing.”
The journey of Garforth Town AFC serves as an inspiring example for other clubs aiming to blend tradition with modern technology to achieve their athletic goals.
If you’re interested in learning more about how PitcheroGPS can benefit your team and elevate your training and match preparation, contact us with us today to discuss how we can support your club’s goals.