The platform has been developed by industry-leading experts in data, talent ID and artificial intelligence, with the assistance of professional football clubs, and is the only digital scouting product invited into the FIFA Innovation Programme. It is set to become an integral part of the club’s recruitment and scouting process for academy players over the next five years.

Behind the scenes, AiSCOUT has been working with the Chelsea FC Academy for the past two years during the platform’s research and development stage, gaining valuable knowledge alongside insights into the traditional scouting and recruitment processes carried out at elite football clubs.

Jim Fraser, head of youth recruitment and assistant head of youth development at Chelsea FC, said: ‘Having worked with AiSCOUT for the last two years researching talent identification and recruitment, the way in which they are innovating the process through technological advances is truly game-changing.

‘They have created a solution with the potential to revolutionise the scouting and development process across football, which will help us identify, recruit and develop the best talent more effectively and efficiently than ever before. We are delighted to be working with them for the next five years and are excited to unearth the next generation of talent.’

Darren Peries, founder of AiSCOUT said: ‘To be recognised as an Official Academy Research Partner and be talked about alongside the clubs’ other major partners, is a landmark moment for everyone involved with AiSCOUT and further strengthens our credibility as we launch our platform to the wider football world.

‘AiSCOUT is solving a significant unmet need, revolutionising the talent scouting and development eco-system in world football. For players anywhere in the world, of all ages, we are providing an opportunity to generate real data and trial for a professional football club with a mobile phone. For scouts and clubs, we are making it easier for them to reach, analyse, recruit and develop new players worldwide. It is a truly game-changing development.’