Reading FC is blazing a trail for AI in football after hosting some of the world’s most iconic clubs for a summit at Bearwood Park.
The event on Friday at The Royals’ training complex brought together representatives from current European champions Paris Saint-Germain, Ajax, Crystal Palace and Cesc Fabregas’s Serie A high-fliers Como FC to discuss the future of technology in football.
As reported by local media, Stuart Fenton – the League One club’s head of AI – said his goal was to separate practical applications from hype.
“Being the first head of AI in English football mostly means separating what actually works from what just sounds good,” Fenton told attendees.
Chairman Rob Couhig said that following Fenton’s appointment, AI had already been applied in areas from recruitment to groundskeeping.
The summit followed the launch of a sports technology and AI programme with Ireland-based Setanta College.
Designed for professionals already working in sport, it will be delivered online, with the first intake expected in March 2027.
The college’s Sean Hogan told the summit that AI will change, not replace, roles for coaches and analysts.