Sporting Potential at Louth Hub

News release

19 November 2013

Making a 3D video of sports competitors to analyse and improve their game is something usually only reserved for the Premier League or Olympic athletes.

But now, thanks to onlincolnshire and the University of Lincoln, there is a chance for sports clubs and coaches to access such cutting-edge technology, with the launch of the latest Lincolnshire Technology Hub in Louth on 26th November.

The hub will offer a range of 3D technologies to film sportsmen and women in mid-action – such as running, a batting stroke or dribbling a football – and provide statistical analysis which could improve their game. 

The equipment will be operated by a graduate working with the university.  The kit can be seen in action at the launch event, which will also be attended by top sports stars including the captain on England’s women’s cricket team Aaron Brindle, Para-Triathlete and Paralympic hopeful Liz McTernan and wheelchair racer Jamie Carter.

David Mullineaux, a Professor in Sports Science at the University of Lincoln, who is running the hub on behalf of the Lincolnshire County Council-run project, said: “The aim of the new hub is to demonstrate how effective 3D display technology can be when it comes to teaching and learning skills, with a focus on sports groups and clubs. 

“The hub offers businesses and sports clubs a fantastic opportunity to see how 3D video is created, and to begin to consider how it could be used in the workplace. The University of Lincoln brings expertise in 3D capture and display technology.

“Sport provides a versatile setting to demonstrate the benefits of 3D technology that can give businesses an appreciation of its application in a risk-free environment.”

Cllr Colin Davie, executive member for economic development at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “This is the third technology hub to have opened in the county, with another two in the pipeline. They offer free use of cutting-edge digital technology, giving people the chance to learn more about emerging technologies and test out the equipment.

“As well as benefits to local people and sportsmen and women, we believe that offering these resources free of charge will promote economic growth by helping local businesses and budding entrepreneurs test-drive the latest technology.”

One aspect of the technology is called spot technology.  It works by placing small spherical markers on different parts of the participant’s body, while multiple cameras emit an infrared light which reflects off the markers back to the camera. 

The camera records the motion of those markers alone, allowing the markers’ movements to be relayed back in real time as they perform an action.  

Sports clubs, groups and coaches can access free support in sessions being offered by a graduate working for the University of Lincoln. This support is also offered to other groups including businesses and the third sector. The graduate will also be conducting research which will investigate if 3D technology is effective in enhancing skill learning.

The hub will also offer businesses the chance to use a special 3D camera and innovative 3D TV which allows users to see the 3D effect without wearing glasses. The equipment purchased by the project can be used for free by eligible businesses, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs.

The onlincolnshire project works to bring better broadband to the county and provide people with the skills they need to live and work in a digital environment.  The hub is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  

The Meridian Centre in Louth is a state-of-the-art leisure facility operated by East Lindsey District Council.  The hub will be based in some of the unused space on the upper floor.

The Technology Hub is due to officially open at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth on 26th November.  Members of the media are invited to attend between 6pm and 7.30pm. Follow @onlincolnshire on Twitter #LouthHub and www.facebook.com/onlincolnshire

Ends

Notes to Editors:

About onlincolnshire

• Bookings for the filming support can be made through David Mullineaux from the University of Lincoln on 01522 837143 or dmullineaux@lincoln.ac.uk.  Bookings for the 3D camera and TV can be made on 01507 607650.
• The Louth hub will be one of five launching across the county to help businesses, with one in Mablethorpe and one in Boston already. A further two will open in Lincoln and Horncastle early next year.
• Onlincolnshire is a Lincolnshire County Council-run project which is part-funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.
• Some Internet users in rural Lincolnshire experience speeds of less than 1 Mbps. The UK’s average broadband speed is 7.6 Mbps, according to Ofcom.
• The contract with BT concentrates on an intervention area of over 150,000 premises where existing or planned commercial roll outs would not deliver superfast speeds. This will mean that at least 94% of all premises should have access to fibre broadband by April 2016.
• The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
07985 143990
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @CerriDelaney

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