The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has signed deals with data analytics company Opta Sports and tech appliance manufacturer Hisense USA, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.
Under the terms of Opta Sports' three-year partnership, the data firm will support the USSF's development and identification of youth players and provide player data that could be used to enhance fan engagement and develop individual performance.
Opta is to provide performance analysis for both the men's and women's national teams, and tools to assist in scouting through the governing body's youth league.
US national teams and youth leagues will also receive access to Opta software ProVision, which generates a matchday practice video that helps analyse performance and can make predictions including expected goals and assists.
As well as this, the sports data company's live statistics about player performance are to be distributed as digital content to enhance the fan viewing experience.
The new agreement adds to Opta's portfolio of data analytics partnerships, including deals with England's Premier League, and Major League Soccer (MLS), the United Soccer League (USL), the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL).
"Not only does this significantly improve our analytical capacity at the senior international and professional levels, but for the first time we will create timely and relevant data, on an ongoing basis, around our youth environments," said Neil Buethe of the USSF.
Meanwhile, Hisense USA will become the official TV and appliance manufacturer for the US national soccer teams, supporting the USSF throughout the 2018 Fifa World Cup and the 2019 Women's World Cup, as well as backing the US Soccer Development Academy and the US men's and women's youth national soccer teams.
The tech company, which is an official sponsor of the 2018 Fifa World Cup, will gain exposure across digital, broadcast and in-stadium activations at key men's and women's matches throughout the 2017/18 soccer season.
