Inaugural Innovation Conference held in the United States

Hertha BSC are heading to the United States once again, and not just for a training camp at the start of next year. The inaugural Innovation Conference took place in New Jersey in recent days. Together with Archetype Football Group and National Women’s Soccer League side NJ/NY Gotham FC, Hertha BSC invited various representatives from the world of U.S. sports to attend. The list of attendees included general managers, sporting directors and other partners from Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB). “A cross-sports conference like this is of huge benefit for everyone involved. The input received is incredibly valuable and helps to break down and expand one’s pattern of thinking,” said Fredi Bobic, managing director of the Hertha BSC. “It’s a great honour and extremely exciting to be able to host this conference, together with Hertha. We are providing a platform for experts in the field of sports data to network and connect with each other. As an American and a life-long Hertha fan, it’s a dream come true to watch both of my worlds come together and celebrate the progress being made in football and in sports data analytics,” said Josh Murphy, CEO of Archetype Football Group.

Hertha fans around the world – even in New Jersey

The nearly 100 participants gathered at the grounds of the Drumthwacket Foundation, the official residence of Philip Murphy, the governor of New Jersey. The Democrat, who was awarded the Great Cross of Merit by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier last week, has a close connection to Germany, and the city of Berlin and Hertha BSC in particular - having lived in the capital from 2009 to 2013 during his time as the U.S. ambassador to Germany. He and his family regularly enjoyed attending matches at the Olympiastadion to watch the Old Lady play. “Hertha BSC fascinated me right from my first visit and drew me in. Even after returning to the United States, I haven’t stopped following the club,” said Josh Murphy, reaffirming his family’s connection to our Blue-Whites.

Sebastian Zelichowski, technical director for sport at Hertha BSC, explained: “The idea to develop a conference like this came at the start of the year. We intensified our discussions during the spring, and we are extremely pleased with the results. The feedback received shows us how much interest exists in the Innovation Conference and in close, trustful cooperation across countries and sporting disciplines. We were in intense, full-confidence discussions with representatives and personalities from across the US sporting world.”

Sebastian Zelichowski, technical director for sport at Hertha BSC, explained: “The idea to develop a conference like this came at the start of the year. We intensified our discussions during the spring, and we are extremely pleased with the results. The feedback received shows us how much interest exists in the Innovation Conference and in close, trustful cooperation across countries and sporting disciplines. We were in intense, full-confidence discussions with representatives and personalities from across the US sporting world.”

Discussions facilitated by an Ivy League college

The conference featured intense, expert-led debates on the opportunities and ongoing development of data analysis and its impact on sport. In addition to Hertha BSC, other teams were in attendance as well. Representatives from the New York Yankees (MLB) and the New York Giants (NFL) also spoke at the conference. The exchange of knowledge was facilitated and supported by Princeton University. Dr. Gabriel Anzer, head of data analytics, spoke at the conference on behalf of Hertha BSC and attentively listened to his colleague’s talks. “It’s incredibly exciting to learn more about the data-based activities of teams from a wide range of sports. The insights gained serve as both an inspiration and incentive,” said the 32-year-old, who focused on data-based scouting as part of his presentation.

The conference closed with a panel discussion featuring the various sports represented amongst the attendees. Fredi Bobic took part in the forum, alongside Ernst Tanner, sporting director of the Philadelphia Union (MLS), Curt Onalfo, technical director New England Revolution, academy director of Dutchmen FC, Yael Averbuch, general manager of Gotham FC (NWSL) and Jim Barlow, head coach of the Princeton University soccer team.

Successful first edition with plans to repeat next year

Alongisde Bobic, Zelichowski and Anzer, Hertha’s delegation at the event also included Matthias Borst, head of playing style and coaching development. Borst, who helped meticulously plan the event over the last months together with his team and Josh Murphy, was delighted with the success of the conference. “We are very pleased that we were able to attract such a high-quality range of participants for the first edition of the conference. We have enjoyed listening to interesting presentations and having animated discussions together,” he said.

To close out the conference, Fredi Bobic thanked the Murphy family on behalf of Hertha BSC for their involvement, without whom this conference wouldn’t have been possible. “We set the bar high with the inaugural Innovation Conference,” said Bobic. “We are already looking forward to the next one – hopefully, next year!” our managing director explained, reaffirming his wish: “The conditions, process and conversations were all really excellent, which is why we are keen on sending out a return invitation. It wasn’t just last year that we proved we can host these international meetings, after all. Football should have no borders, a mindset that should connect us all.”