Beckham and MLS set to stage world's first-ever 'smart soccer match'

By Matt Lawless for MailOnline

Published: 11:42 EST, 10 April 2012 | Updated: 11:55 EST, 10 April 2012

David Beckham could take part in a ground-breaking football first with this summer's Major League Soccer All-Star game announced as the world's first-ever 'smart soccer match'.

First there was the 'boot with the brain'. Now adidas are set to unleash another technological advance for the game with the MLS showcase featuring the new team tracking system.

Like the F50 micoach boot, a small chip will be planted in the player's shirts that will allow bosses access to player performance metrics - during the game.

Vital statistics: The MLS All-Star game will provide coaches access to key player performance data in real-time

Vital statistics: The MLS All-Star game will provide coaches access to key player performance data in real-time

Coaches can monitor statistics such as heart rate, player position, power output, speed, distance covered, intensity of play, acceleration and GPS heat mapping, by using tablet devices on the bench.

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham should feature in the July 25 showcase in Philadelphia - providing he is not on Olympic Games duty for Great Britain in London.


Arsenal legend and New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry is another star set to be involved in the innovative experiment, which will then be tested throughout the remainder of the MLS season before going global.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said: 'It is an honour that they have chosen to debut their new game-changing and revolutionary technology at this year’s AT&T MLS All-Star Game in Philadelphia.'


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