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It’s impossible to imagine today’s sports without data analysis and statistics. What role do they play in women’s football? Let’s take a closer look with Miłosz Stępiński, the head coach of Poland women’s national football team.

Miłosz Stępiński tells us about his attitude towards data and statistics in sports, and the developments in women’s football.

– What role do sports statistics play in your work, and how has that role been changing over the years?

– I had started using sports data when I worked for football clubs, and then kept employing it when working with the national teams. We’ve always had access to that kind of digital data, which has been helping us to see some tendencies in our games. I’ve always seen the data as one of many parts of knowledge that I’ve been using in my work. Of course, I haven’t been analysing all the data I’ve had. Instead, I’ve been trying to single out the key numbers and to draw conclusions on their basis. It’s crucial to know what data you need, and to concentrate on the most important parts of it. Interpretation of the data is the key here.

Photo: Paula Duda / Polish FA

– Interpreting the data in ways that make it useful for the team is what sports analysts do. Can you tell us more about the aspects of data that you find useful to analyse?

– Well, as we know, there are multiple types of data. I’ve been using some of them as a complementary part of my work as a coach. So, for example, if there’s a penalty kick, we can analyse some trends, like for example, which players shoot at which parts of the goal. Similarly, we can analyse the ways in which our rivals pass the ball, or how they organize their attacks. These types of data provide important hints for our players.

I also think that packing [statistics that measure how much you outplay your opponents in a single game] is a very interesting trend in sports data. It provides a new look at the data and allows us to look at what’s happening on the field in a completely fresh way.

Photo: Paula Duda / Polish FA

– Are there any specific types of data that are especially important for women’s football?

– Of course, there are differences between women’s and men’s statistics when it comes to the purely physical aspect of the game, such as the distance covered during a game. We are able to access thousands of pieces of data thanks to the services of Catapult, but we’re focusing on the five most important metrics for players. We always have team reports and individual reports after our games, which are shared with players to help them learn something more about their performance, but I always insist that this kind of data should not be treated as the only basis for the decisions we’re making. We’re focusing on the most important data, and not on all kinds of data that we’ve got available.

– Do you think that sports data analysis will be developed in ways that will allow coaches to build a more comprehensive and realistic view of the game?

– Packing is the best example here, which is a completely new attitude for the data. Of course, we’ve been measuring everything that’s happening on the field, distances covered by players, etc. But new ways of dealing with the data will surely be worked out. Soon, we might be trying to build predictive models to analyse what specific players may do next in the game, what could be their next move. Such projects will surely be popping up. The question is whether they will be successful enough to become widely accepted.

Photo: Paula Duda / Polish FA

– What do you think are the perspectives for women’s football in Poland in the coming years?

– When it comes to Polish women’s football, a lot depends on how it will be developing on the club level. In the Polish Football Association’s strategy for the development of women’s football, a lot of financing is provided for the national teams. As a head coach of the national team, I’m pleased to see that resources are provided not just for the A team, but also for the youth teams. Then, there’s the other branch of the process, namely the clubs, which are also provided with financial support by the Polish FA for their participation in competitions and various achievements. So, there has been a constant flow of money to the clubs since Zbigniew Boniek [head of the Polish Football Association] approved this strategy. The question here is how the clubs are going to use that money, and what effects will it bring. A lot depends on how specific clubs are dealing with the players, and how they are helping them to develop and grow. Of course, the national federation is here to help and support the clubs and players through various activities and initiatives directed towards their development. But at the end of the day, many crucial decisions are made by the clubs, so they’re playing a very important role in the development of women’s football in Poland.

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The truth is that most of us watch the sport we consume via TV streams. These days there seems to be an endless list of devices that allow us to follow all the action LIVE! Even when we’re on the move. It’s a great way for sporting bodies to expand their fan base, promote their sport and showcase their stars. But sometimes, do you ever see a sporting venue and think wow, I wish I were there? I know I do. Here are three sporting arenas, I believe should be on your bucket list.

The Bird’s Nest

The official name of this amazing structure is The Beijing National Stadium. Built to host the 2008 summer Olympics, and now set to host the 2022 winter Olympics. It’s due to its unique appearance that it earned the nickname, The Bird’s Nest! 

Designed by architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, the Nest has a capacity of 91,000. During the summer Olympics, the stadium was home to all track and field events and soccer matches. Since then, it has been used mainly for basketball, but for the 2022 winter Olympics, the plan is to host the Ice Hockey there. I for sure, can’t wait to see this amazing venue in use again for a major sporting event!

For those that like some numbers!

1. The stadium covers 258,000 square meters.
2. Cost around 500 million dollars to build.
3. Construction took 5 years.
4. Used 42,000 tonnes of steel.
5. It’s 332.3 meters in length, 297.3 in width and 69.2 meters high.

Augusta National Golf Club

It is said that St Andrews, in Scotland is the birthplace of golf. But for many, Augusta is at the pinnacle of the sport as a venue.

I can’t lie, being a massive golf fan, I get goosebumps every time I see this course at its best, and that’s the day before the first round of the Masters! With every hole named after flowery connections, the Masters is normally held in April, when the course is in full bloom. This magical place was designed, by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie and opened in 1932. It has hosted the Masters since 1934 and is the only course in the world to host a golfing major every year. Fitting recognition of its place in the history of golf.

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Now some fun facts!

1. Club membership is by invitation only, so don’t ask!
2. The famous green jacket was first presented to the winner in 1949. Who? Sam Snead.
3. The champions dinner is a tradition where the previous winner selects the menu. Oh yes, you only get to eat if you have won the event yourself!
4. Dwight D. Eisenhower is the only U.S. President to be granted membership.
5. While the players can wear their outrageous coloured trousers, caddies must wear all white.

Monte Carlo

At the best of times, Monaco’s Monte Carlo area is a very lively place. But once a year it truly becomes the place to be when F1 comes to town!

The fastest drivers in the world just love racing here. The city’s streets and tunnels are transformed, into one of the most spectacular racing tracks on the planet. Full of tight corners and super fast chicanes, it’s really, a great test of skill. Normally held in the last week of May, this great event has been taking place since 1929. The race is run over 78 laps, on a course that is 3.337 km in length (2.074 miles). Last held in 2019 but is back on the racing calendar this year. Can’t wait!

But did you know?

1. The circuit used for this race is the shortest on the F1 calendar.
2. It also has the slowest conner of any track.
3. Lewis Hamilton may hold many F1 records, but Senna still has the most race wins here with 6.
4. The track is lined with 33 kilometres of safety rails.
5. As well as the rails, there are 3,600 tyres used to make up the tyre. barriers
6. Every year it takes two months to get the track ready.

3 great venues that maybe one day, I will get to see. For now, it’s back to the TV!

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FIFA World Cup

We just couldn’t get away from the fact that the FIFA World Cup had to be number one on the list. This mega footballing (soccer) event was first played in 1930. But did you know that:

1. This tournament has been held 21 times and in 17 different countries.

2. In 1966, the year that England won the event. The Jules Rimet Trophy went missing, it was stolen but thankfully recovered.

3. Only European & South American teams have even won this event.

4. Every World Cup has been won by a coach who holds the same nationality as the winning team.

5. Mexico holds the record for the most losses with 25.

6. I’m sure we know that Brazil has the most wins with 5.

7. At 42 years old, Roger Miller playing for Cameroon is the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history.

8. The last World Cup Final had an average live audience of around 517 million viewers.

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The Super Bowl

The first-ever Super Bowl was played between the Green Bay Packers & the Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers came out on top, 35-10. But did you know:

1. 12 teams have never won the Super Bowl.

2. Peyton Manning is the only quarterback who has won a Super Bowl title with two different teams.

3. The only person ever voted the most valuable player from a losing team was Chuck Howley. He played for the Dallas Cowboys when they lost to the Baltimore Colts.

4. The New England Patriots have appeared in the most Super Bowls with 11.

5. The Patriots also hold the record for the most losses along with the Broncos. They have lost 5 each.

6. Super Bowl LI was the only one to go to overtime. The game between the Falcons and the Patriots ended 28-28. The Patriots went on to win 34-28 after trailing 28-3.

7. The only time Roman numerals were not used, was for Super Bowl 50.

Wimbledon Tennis Championship

Last year, the Wimbledon tennis championship was cancelled due to the situation with Covid-19. This was the first time since World War 2 in 1945 and, for the first time ever in peacetime. Not bad for a tournament that’s been taking place since 1877. But did you know:

1. Wimbledon had insurance in case of a pandemic and, was rumoured to receive a pay-out in the region of 114 million pounds.

2. The tennis balls weren’t always yellow. The original balls used were white and, only replaced in 1986, so they could be seen better on TV coverage.

3. Wimbledon is the largest annual sporting catering operation in Europe. They serve somewhere in the region of 234,000 meal, 330,000 cups of tea and coffee, 140,000 portions of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream.

4. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis competition in the world. The first time it was held, it was contested by only 22 participants.

5. It’s now the only Grand Slam held on grass and, it’s cut to a very precise 8mm.

6. Wimbledon has it’s own hawk, who goes by the name Rufus. His job is to scare off pigeons.

7. The longest match ever played at Wimbledon took place in 2010. An epic that was played over 3 days and lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes. In the end, John Isner (USA) beat Nicolas Mahut (FRA), 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68. A grand total of 183 games! If anyone ever needed a nice cup of tea, it’s these two!

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Which cities are home to the highest number of football clubs?

In the realm of European sports, nothing can beat football (soccer) in terms of popularity, participation and fan engagement. The emotions, dreams, and expectations all mix together to create a matchless experience for the sport’s supporters.

The game is immensely popular everywhere from Lisbon to Moscow. Still, on this football-obsessed continent, there are a few metropolises that stand out when it comes to the number of teams they host.

1. London – 6 clubs in the Premier League

• 12 teams within the four top tiers of football, including 6 clubs in the Premier League.
• 29 clubs between level five and eight.

The relationship between London and football goes far back into the history of the game. In fact, various references to the game can be found long before the modern rules of the game were officially established by the Football Association, which is the oldest football organisation around the globe. Today the city is home to some of the most fiercely contested derby matches in the world! 

As of the 2020-21 season of English football, there are 12 London-based professional teams participating in the top four tiers of the English league system, and 29 clubs that currently represent the city on tiers from five to eight.

Six London-based clubs currently compete in the Premier League: Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. Six more teams compete within the top four divisions: Brentford, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, AFC Wimbledon, Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient.

The most successful football clubs from London are Arsenal (13 English championships), Chelsea (6 English championships and 1 Champions League title), and Tottenham (2 English championships).

2. Istanbul – 5 clubs in the Süper Lig

• 5 clubs in the country’s top-flight Süper Lig.
• 3 teams on the second level of football competition, and 5 on the third level.
• In 64 seasons, the championship was won by Instabul-based clubs 57 times!

Yes, we know, not all of Istanbul is technically in Europe. To be precise, let’s note that the city is a transcontinental metropolis straddling the Bosporus strait, which separates Europe and Asia. When it comes to football, however, Turkey and its clubs all belong to the European football family (UEFA).

On both sides of the strait, there are, of course, some amazing football clubs. Honestly, there’s quite a lot of them…

Süper Lig, the country’s top flight of football is currently contested by eighteen Turkish clubs, of which 5 are based within the city. These are Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Başakşehir FK, and Kasımpaşa.

It is worth mentioning that throughout the history of the Turkish football, Istanbul-based teams won almost all the championship titles. In fact, the title went to Istanbul on 57 occasions, while to other cities… just 7 times.

The city is also represented by many clubs in the lower divisions of the Turkish football system. In the TFF First League (second level of competition), there are currently three Istanbul-based clubs: Tuzlaspor, Ümraniyespor, and İstanbulspor. In the third tier, there are five more clubs from the city: Sancaktepe, Kocaelispor, Sarıyer, Pendikspor, Eyüpspor.

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3. Athens – 5 clubs in the Super League 1

• 5 clubs [including Olympiacos Pireus] based within the Athens urban area participate in the country’s top competition,
• 76 out of 83 championships won by Athens-based teams.

Greek football has been dominated by teams from the country’s capital, and more specifically, by the so-called Big Three: AEK Athens F.C., Olympiacos F.C. and Panathinaikos F.C. Combined they won a total of 76 out of 83 Greek Football Championships.

The following 5 teams from Athens are currently competing on the highest level of the sport in Greece (Super League): AEK, Panathinaikos, Apollon Smyrnis, Atromitos, and Olympiacos, which is based in the port city of Piraeus within the Athens urban area.

In the second tier, which is called the Super League 2, there is currently one club from Athens – Ionikos F.C.

Three more teams from Athens urban area are currently playing in the third tier of the system (Football League Greece). These are Egaleo, Kallithea, and Enosis Aspropyrgos.

4. Moscow – 4 clubs in the Russian Premier League

• 4 clubs contesting the country’s top-flight,
• 8 teams within two lower tiers.

With its 12 million people, Moscow is the most populous city that lies entirely within Europe. The city is home to 63 sports stadiums and hosts numerous teams and clubs across tens of disciplines.

The capital of Russia currently has four teams contesting the country’s top football division. These are CSKA Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow, Spartak Moscow, and Dynamo Moscow.

Four more teams, Torpedo, Chertanovo, Spartak-2, and Veles, currently play in the Russian Football National League, which is the second tier of the Russian football pyramid. And then there are four more at the third level of the system (Russian Professional Football League): Dynamo-2, Strogino, Kazanka, and Rodina.

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5. Madrid – 3 clubs in La Liga

• 3 clubs from Madrid area currently play in La Liga, and 4 in Segunda División.
• Real Madrid is the most decorated European football club.

Every football fan around the world knows about Real Madrid and Atletico, which are some of the world’s most successful teams. However, the city hosts many more professional football clubs.

Currently, there are three Community of Madrid-based teams competing in La Liga: Real, Atletico, and Getafe.

Then there are four clubs from the area competing in the Segunda División (second tier): Leganés, Rayo Vallecano, Alcorcón, and Fuenlabrada.

In the third tier, Segunda División B, there are 8 more teams from the Madrid area: Atlético Madrid B, Getafe B, Internacional, Las Rozas, Navalcarnero, Rayo Majadahonda, Real Madrid Castilla, San Sebastián de los Reyes.

6. Lisbon – 3 clubs in the Primeira Liga

• 3 clubs from Lisbon are currently competing in the country’s top league.
• In the Liga Portugal 2 (second tier of football in Portugal) there are currently 6 teams hailing from the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.

The three Lisbon-based clubs in the Primeira Liga are Benfica Lisboa, Sporting CP, and Belenenses SAD. 56 out of 86 championships in the history of the league went to one of these three Lisbon-based clubs.

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There are six teams from Lisbon Metropolitan Area currently competing on the second tier of football in Portugal: Benfica B, Casa Pia, C. Piedade, Vilafranquense, Mafra, and Estoril.

7. Prague – 3 clubs in the Czech First League

• 3 clubs from Prague are currently competing in the country’s top league.
• In the four top tiers, there are fourteen teams from the city.

Sparta Prague, Slavia Prague, and Bohemians 1905 are the three clubs from the Czech capital currently competing in the top-level of football in the country.

Another three teams play in the Czech National Football League (second tier): Dukla Prague, FC Slavoj Vyšehrad, and Viktoria Žižkov.

The clubs on the lower levels of competitions include: Bohemians Prague, Loko Vltavín, Meteor Prague, Artima Prague, Zličín, Horní Měcholupy, Motorlet Prague.

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Nigerian fans are famous for being quite obsessive when it comes to following sports and supporting their teams. The country is also home to some of the continent’s most famous athletes and sports teams.

The most popular disciplines, like football, were first introduced in the country by British colonizers, while others, such as Dambe boxing, have been contested for several centuries of the country’s history. What sports are Nigerians most passionate about? Here’s the top 5!

1. Football

Football is, without a doubt, the most followed sport in Nigeria. It was introduced during the British colonial period and quickly spread all over the country through railroad companies, mission schools and the military. 

The Nigeria national football team, nicknamed Super Eagles, has given the country some of it’s most memorable sporting moments. Nigerians, led by such players as Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, won the Olympic gold medal in football in Atlanta 1996.

Super Eagles qualified for football World Cup in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018. The team also holds the record of being the most decorated one in the history of the African Cup of Nations, with three victories, four silver and eight bronze medals.

The highest level of the Nigerian football pyramid is represented by the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), which is considered one of the top leagues in Africa.

2. Basketball

Basketball has been played in Nigeria since the 1950s and the country’s national team joined FIBA in 1964. D’Tigers (male team) and D’Tigress (female team) have both enjoyed some success and attracted many sports fans across the country.

The interest in the sport was boosted even further with Hakeem Olajuwon becoming one of the NBA superstars in the 1990s.

The Nigerian Premier Basketball League (NFP) is the highest tier of men’s professional basketball in Nigeria. It is contested by sixteen times divided into two conferences (Savannah and Atlantic).

3. Dambe

Dambe is a martial art steeped in the tradition of the Hausa people, which is one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa. 

The fights, which were traditionally held among Hausa butchers, have in recent times seen enormous growth in popularity attracting millions of online viewers.

The popularity of the sport is growing – and not just in Nigeria. More than 60% of the views of videos posted on YouTube channels, such as Dembe Warriors, takes place outside of the country, most often in Indonesia, the Philippines and the USA.

The country’s attempts to establish a national league were interrupted by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

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4. Athletics

Track and field athletics provided Nigerian sports fans with some of the most memorable sports-related moments in their lives, and are widely practised throughout the country.

The country is represented by some of the world’s most promising athletes, including:

• Ese Brume – long jumper, three-time African Champion, 3024 Commonwealth Games winner, 2014 African Games winner, Bronze medalist at the 2016 World Championships;
• Tobi Amusan – 100 metres hurdles runner and sprinter, 2018 Commonwealth and 2019 African champion, two-time African Games champion;
• Chukwuebuka Enekwechi – thrower, 2018 Commonwealth Games Silver medallist and African Champion in the shot put, 2019 African Games winner.

5. Boxing

Professional boxing, which kicked off in 1947 in the country,  is another popular sport in Nigeria. 

During the 1950s and 1960s, it used to be considered the most popular sport in Nigeria but then experienced a steady decline. The interest in the sport was rekindled in the 2000s thanks to boxing nights organised by GOtv television channel.

Nigeria had three world champions in boxing:

• Dick Tiger – middleweight, 1962-1963;
• Hogan “Kid” Bassey – featherweight, 1957-1959;
• Bash Ali – cruiserweight, 1987.

Currently, there are about 300 professional boxers in Nigeria.

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The popularity of specific sports disciplines, such as cricket, is directly linked to the country’s colonial legacy, while many others, such as kabaddi, have more traditional roots. Here’s the top 5!

1. Cricket (IPL)

Cricket is by far the most loved sport in India and constitutes part of the country’s culture. It was first introduced during the British rule of India and has then become tightly connected to the country’s history and tradition.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), a professional Twenty-20 cricket competition, which was founded in 2008, is currently the most-attended cricket league in the world. According to data from Duff & Phelps, the brand value of the IPL in 2019 was US $6.7 billion. The league is widely followed by Indians and provides a considerable contribution to the country’s economy. The league’s governing body, BCCI, claimed that the 2015 league’s season contributed ₹11.5 billion (US$160 million) to the GDP of India.

The country’s national cricket team had won some of the sports most important trophies, including the 1983 Cricket World Cup, the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. The team’s matches against Pakistan are some of the most-watched television broadcasts in India.

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2. Kabaddi (PKL)

Kabbadi is a sport native to the Indian subcontinent and has for centuries been one of the most popular disciplines in the country.

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is the top flight of the competition in India. The league was launched in 2014 and has since seen great popularity among fans and viewers. The PKL’s inaugural season attracted 435 million TV viewers (second only to the Indian Premier League’s 552 million).

Since then the sport has been seen as the fastest-growing discipline in India. From 2016 to 2017, the league managed to increase its viewership by nearly 100 million people. In fact, the Pro Kabaddi League has attracted more Indian viewers than the last football World Cup.

Investments and sponsorship deals have been going up, just as player salaries. Moreover, there are signs that India’s favourite indigenous sport is also gaining traction outside the country!

3. Football (ISL and I-League)

Football (soccer) is another discipline introduced in India during the British colonial period. However, whereas Indians have had some of the world’s best cricket players and teams, they haven’t yet seen comparable success with their football efforts. 

India has never participated in the World Cup, although it was invited to take part in 1950 where other Asian teams pulled out (the legend has it that Indians refused to participate because they were not allowed to play barefoot).

Despite the lack of great international successes, football remains one of the most followed sports disciplines in India. It is highly popular both as a spectator and a participation sport.

The Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League represent the top level of the competition in the country. The ISL, which was founded in 2013, doesn’t employ promotion and relegation but is instead developing through expansion, similar to the Major League Soccer in the USA.

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4. Badminton (PBL)

Badminton is currently the second most played sport in India, right after cricket. It has also been growing in terms of TV viewership.

The country has also seen some success on the international level, with some of its players, such as Saina Nehwal, Srikanth Kidambi, and Pusarla Venkata Sindhu ranking among the world’s top.

The country’s top competition, the Premier Badminton League, has been attracting an increasing number of viewers. In 2019 the TV viewership of the PBL games jumped to a record 155 million (up from 42 million the previous year).

5. Field hockey (HIL)

Seen by many as the national game of India, field hockey has been one of the most popular sports in the country.

The Hockey India League (HIL) belongs to the most followed major sports leagues in the country.

Founded in 2013, the league is currently contested by six teams with each of them playing 10 games during a two-month regular season, which is then followed by the play-offs.

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4) Your personal data will be retained for the duration of the Product development term but for no less than the retention period required under the law.
5) Your personal data will not be subject to automated decision-making or profiling.
6) You have the right to access the personal data held about you and to have your data rectified or erased or to restrict or to object to the processing as well as the right to data portability. If your personal data is processed under Article 6.1(a) of the GDPR (i.e. processed on the basis of the consent you have given to the processing), you may withdraw your consent at any time without any impact on the lawfulness of the processing carried out before your consent was withdrawn.
7) You may lodge a complaint in respect of the processing of the above data to the President of the Office for Personal Data Protection (PUODO).

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