Shorts: Game On, Genius Sports, Mitre

Game On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport is released on Netflix today.

The new documentary – produced by Fearless Women CEO, Sue Anstiss, and Ben&Jack Studio’s Jack Tompkins – explores the recent growth in women’s sport and its impact across society, and features interviews with the likes of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Clare Balding CBE and Dame Denise Lewis.

Commenting on her ambition for the documentary, Anstiss said, “I hope this beautiful, engaging film will strike a chord with both male and female audiences – opening their minds to the power sport has to drive change in society, and showcasing the challenges female athletes still face in their fight for equality. It was a privilege to film with such an array of sporting talent both on and off the field.” 

Genius Sports has extended its partnership with Football DataCo to be the exclusive supplier of low latency live data from the English Premier League, English Football League and Scottish Professional Football League to the global sports betting industry.

According to a statement, the expanded partnership also includes the use of ‘Genius Sports’ Second Spectrum AI-powered tracking technology for the EFL Championship and Championship Play-Off matches.’

“Genius Sports and Second Spectrum continue to generate first class data and provide innovative solutions for a variety of Football DataCo’s stakeholders,” said Adrian Ford, General Manager of Football DataCo. “The technology is improving all the time, extending the creative use of data to improve the presentation of English and Scottish football.”

“The Premier League is the most popular league in world sport and Genius Sports has created the fastest, most accurate and secure feed on UK football to power first-class products for sportsbooks around the world,” added Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports. “We are delighted to extend our partnership to continue to power innovation and now to expand it to include our suite of AI-powered Second Spectrum Tracking Data technology for the EFL Championship as well as the Premier League.”

Mobile phone recycling service Mazuma Mobile has extended its stadium naming rights agreement with League Two football club Morecambe FC.

Under terms of the agreement, Morecambe’s 6,476-capacity home ground will continue to be known as Mazuma Stadium.

Morecambe FC Head of Commercial, Martin Thomas, said, “Firstly, I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to Craig and the team at Mazuma. Over the last few years, we have managed to build a very strong relationship which is reflected in this new agreement.

“Mazuma have been an integral partner of the football club and are a well-recognised and respected tech recycling brand here in the UK. On behalf of the football club, we thank Mazuma for continuing their commitment to MFC and supporting the journey of our club.”

Mazuma’s Managing Director, Craig Smith, added, “We have thoroughly enjoyed our relationship with Morecambe FC over the last few years and are happy to continue that strong partnership going forward.”

“The challenges presented by a season in the EFL require support and commitment from all levels, both from within and externally of the club and we believe our continued support cements this belief and hopefully in some way assists the season on the pitch for Derek and the team. We look forward to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium being the home of more special memories for Morecambe FC supporters, up the Shrimps!”

Sports equipment manufacturer Mitre has been announced as the official ball supplier for the Homeless World Cup.

The agreement has been announced ahead of the upcoming 2023 edition of the tournament, which takes place between 8th and 15th July at California State University in Sacramento, and will see Mitre provide match balls for the next three years.

Mel Young, Co-founder, and Homeless World Cup President, said, “The Homeless World Cup uses football to inspire and demonstrate the power of sport in changing people’s lives. Our tournament brings a sense of purpose to those who may feel like they’ve lost theirs. It’s also a football competition of the highest quality with some outstanding talent on display.

“Teaming up with Mitre for the next three years is another example of our commitment to our 70+ member countries across the globe and their players, that we want to provide them with the best sporting experience possible during the eight days of competition. Having access to quality and high performing match balls from Mitre for Sacramento 2023 and in 2024 is another example of how we view those playing Street Football at the Homeless World Cup – they deserve the best.”

Simon Breckon, Brand Director Mitre added, “The Homeless World Cup is the perfect fit for Mitre, as it’s a tournament with real purpose, whilst also maximising quality footballing talent. At Mitre we are fans of all levels of the game and look forward to seeing our match balls in full flight in Sacramento.”

Jhulan Goswami, Heather Knight and Eoin Morgan have all accepted invitations to join the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) World Cricket committee, an independent body funded and administered by the MCC.

Chair of the MCC World Cricket committee Mike Gatting, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Jhulan, Heather and Eoin to the World Cricket committee.

“These are three players who have excelled at the very top of the international game and their knowledge of how the elite level of cricket works will be an advantage to the committee.

“It is also important that we are growing the female representation on the committee with the growth that women’s cricket has enjoyed in recent years. Jhulan and Heather join Clare Connor and Suzie Bates who can all offer first-hand insight into the women’s game.”