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MLS Toronto FC

Toronto FC and Toronto FC Academy Gives Young Athletes a Chance to Test Their Skills with TFC Widenet App

August 25, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


TORONTO - Today, Toronto FC and MLSE Digital Labs launched TFC Widenet, an app that evaluates young athletes ages 6 and up based on their speed and skills, and the chance to be noticed and recruited by Toronto FC Academy. With augmented realty (AR) technology, the app allows users across Canada to measure an individual's athletic ability while they run a 20-metre sprint and a 200-metre shuttle.

"In collaboration with MLSE Digital Labs, we were able to develop an innovative way to identify Canada's top and talented athletes, who have the potential to join Toronto FC Academy and possibly reach their professional soccer goals," said Jim Liston, Director of Sport Science, Toronto FC. "The app can be used remotely and enables users to test their skills in their own backyard, and the information will be used to determine if the athlete will take part in an in-person session with our top coaches at BMO Training Ground."

TFC Widenet is available for free on both iOS and Android. Once downloaded, the app uses the phone camera to measure the required distance for the sprint and shuttle. When the results are compiled, the user can view how they rank among others on the leaderboard, and the information is also provided to Toronto FC for review. Toronto FC and Toronto FC Academy will use this database to help identify young and talented athletes and gives them the opportunity to develop their skills and start their professional careers earlier.

"The world has changed drastically in a matter of months and we are continuing to find new ways using technology to address different challenges and find solutions for different parts of our business," said Humza Teherany, Chief Technology and Digital Officer, MLSE. "The pandemic has also impacted the recruitment process for many scouts and professionals looking for the next top talent in their sport and MLSE Digital Labs created this app to help Toronto FC and Toronto FC Academy navigate a new way of searching, identifying and acquiring the next best soccer player."

Fans and athletes at any age can use this app to measure their current skills and help improve their abilities. As the app continues to change and develop, it will help evolve the sport in Canada while encouraging more youth to test their soccer skills and inspire them to play the game.

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