VEO Camera Revolutionizes Youth Football Training in Israel with AI Analysis

The introduction of the VEO camera technology is transforming how football is filmed, analyzed, and taught in Israel, particularly at the youth level. Previously, coaches relied on memory and notebooks to track games, but today, VEO cameras automatically record matches, collect data, and generate heat maps, allowing coaches and players to review and analyze every moment in detail. This shift has made training more interactive and educational, as coaches can pause footage to engage players in understanding their decisions and mistakes.

VEO's system tracks a wide range of metrics including shots on and off target, passes, ball possession, and activity zones. The technology has evolved over the past eight years from simple filming to incorporating AI, which acts as a virtual assistant by quickly identifying patterns and key moments, helping coaches focus on specific issues without watching entire games. Coaches can ask the system questions like where most ball losses occurred or which areas the team struggles in, making analysis more efficient.

Currently, around 280 VEO cameras operate across Israel, primarily in youth football clubs, with an annual cost of about 1,200 shekels per club. A recent upgrade called Analytics 2 adds personalized player metrics such as running mass, speed, heat maps by playing time, and spatial distances between players, eliminating the need for GPS vests.

The technology's Israeli introduction is credited to Uri Cohen, a former football coach with experience at multiple Israeli clubs and a background in 3D imaging. After returning from an international career, Cohen recognized VEO's potential and became its local representative, expanding its presence from two cameras to hundreds nationwide. He also provides local support, minimizing the need for repairs abroad.

VEO's impact goes beyond winning games; it helps develop players' understanding of positioning, decision-making, and tactics by showing them visual evidence of their actions. The AI enhances coaching by saving time and offering deeper insights, effectively serving as a virtual assistant. While coaches still make final decisions, VEO adds a new dimension to training, turning each match into a valuable learning experience for young players.