SEASON RECAP
In the world of sports, data analysis has become an integral part of optimising performance and achieving success. The 2023-2024 season has been another remarkable year for dozens of teams using PlayerData. From local clubs to university sides, these teams have clinched titles, cups, and promotions while also experiencing significant improvements in physical performance. In this season’s recap, we celebrate the success of numerous teams, including Maidstone United, Hashtag United Women, Portsmouth Women, Glenvale AFC, Thorn Athletic, Horsham FC, Renfrew FC U20, Cribbs FC, Broxburn Athletic, Harthill Royal, Royal Engineers AFC, Kinloss Eagles RFC, Stenhousemuir FC, Dumbarton FC, Drumchapel United, and many more. We will highlight their achievements and share some valuable insights gained from analysing their data.
Maidstone United
Historic FA Cup Run and Kent County Cup Victory
Maidstone United reached the FA Cup fifth round for the first time, becoming the first team outside of the top five divisions to achieve this feat since Blyth Spartans in 1977-78. They also celebrated success in the DFDS Kent County Cup, showcasing their remarkable season.
Throughout the season, Maidstone displayed impressive performance metrics, consistently covering an average distance of more than 9km per game. Maidstone players regularly hit top speeds of 28kph+, demonstrating the team's high-intensity play even as compared to some of their better opponents in the FA cup.
Hashtag United Women
FA WNL Cup and Essex Women's Cup Winners
Hashtag United Women had an outstanding season, winning the 2023-24 FA WNL Cup and the Essex Women's Cup. Their success was built on teamwork and exceptional fitness levels.
The team covered an average distance of 7km+ per game, with forwards regularly recording top speeds in excess of 24kph. An extra special congratulations to Hashtag’s player of the season, skipper Grace Gillard.
Portsmouth Women
Promotion to the Women's Championship
Portsmouth Women secured promotion to the Women's Championship by winning the Southern Premier Division title. Their impressive season was marked by consistent high-level performances.
In equally exciting news, Portsmouth Women will become a full-time professional team ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season, a historic first for the club. Players will be offered professional contracts, and the team will benefit from increased support with full-time backroom staff, more on-pitch sessions, enhanced gym programmes, and additional off-pitch support. This transition follows the move to a semi-professional model last year and reflects significant investment from Tornante, demonstrating a strong commitment to women's football in Portsmouth.
Glenvale AFC
PDM Huws Gray WOSFL Fourth Division Champions
Glenvale AFC won their league this calendar year, showcasing their dominance in the league.
The team covered average distances of more than 6km per game, with winger Brian Connor achieving top speeds of more than 28.5kph and netting 20 goals in the process.
Erith Town FC
League Challenge Cup & Kent Senior Trophy Champions
Erith Town FC’s 2023–24 season was nothing short of remarkable. The team showcased their resilience and skill by clinching the League Challenge Cup in a thrilling fashion, overcoming Corinthian in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after a 1–1 stalemate. Building on this momentum, they went on to secure the Kent Senior Trophy for the second time, defeating Croydon 3–2 in a hard-fought final.
The league campaign saw Erith Town finishing in a commendable fourth place, earning them a spot in the promotion play-offs. Demonstrating their tenacity, they triumphed over Glebe with a 2–1 victory in the semi-finals. The season culminated in another dramatic penalty shootout against Corinthian, where Erith Town once again held their nerve to secure promotion to the Isthmian League.
Larne FC
NIFL Premiership & County Antrim Shield Champions
Larne FC's 2023 season was historic, marking their fourth year back in the top flight with their first-ever NIFL Premiership title. The Inver Reds secured the championship with a decisive 2–0 victory over Crusaders in April, emerging victorious in a fierce title race against Linfield.
This success earned them a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers for the first time. Facing Finnish giants HJK Helsinki, Larne lost 1–0 in Helsinki but fought valiantly to a 2–2 draw in Belfast, ultimately losing 3–2 on aggregate.
To round off an incredible year, Larne FC showcased consistent dominance in the County Antrim Shield, winning the title for yet another time. This increases Larne’s tally to four consecutive times from the 2020–21 to 2023–24 seasons—a feat previously only matched by Linfield.
Thorn Athletic
Promotion from the PDM Huws Gray WOSFL Fourth Division
Thorn Athletic secured promotion from the same league as Glenvale, highlighting their equally impressive season.
The team’s average distance covered per game was an impressive 7.5km+, with the team regularly hitting distances of more than 8km. A special shoutout goes to Thorn Athletic’s own Nathan McLelland who finished as the leagues top scorer with 32 goals on the season.
Horsham FC
Sussex Transport Senior Cup Winners
Horsham FC celebrated success by winning the Sussex Transport Senior Cup, marking a memorable season for the club.
Renfrew FC U20
PlayerData Cup 2023-24 Winners
Renfrew FC U20s had a fantastic season, winning the PlayerData Cup 2023-24.
Cribbs FC
Third Place Finish and 16-Game Unbeaten Run
Cribbs FC had an impressive season, finishing third after just being promoted, including an incredible 16-game unbeaten run.
The team covered an incredible average distance of more than 8km per game, with standout performances from attacking midfielder Aysa Corrick, who recorded a top speed of 30.8kph. Cribbs’ ability to maintain high physical standards throughout the season was instrumental in their strong league finish.
Broxburn Athletic
East of Scotland Premier Winners and Lowland League Promotion
Broxburn Athletic were champions in the 2023-24 season, finishing ahead of title rivals Musselburgh Athletic. They secured a spot in the promotion playoffs and were victorious, earning promotion to the Lowland Football League for the 2024-25 season.
Harthill Royal
Promoted to East of Scotland Division Two
Harthill Royal secured promotion to the East of Scotland Division Two, marking a successful season.
Royal Engineers AFC
Back-to-Back League Titles
Royal Engineers AFC celebrated back-to-back league titles, showcasing their dominance and consistency.
Kinloss Eagles RFC
Back-to-Back Promotions and Titles
Kinloss Eagles RFC achieved back-to-back promotions and titles, highlighting their remarkable success in rugby.
The team’s average distance covered per game was 4km+, with standout performances from winger Josefa Navunivuai Kamanalagi Baro, who recorded a top speed of 28.7kph. Kinloss Eagles’ commitment to maintaining high physical standards was key to their continued success.
Stenhousemuir FC
League Two Champions and Promotion
Stenhousemuir FC were crowned League Two champions, securing promotion for the 2023-24 season.
Dumbarton FC
Scottish League One Promotion
Dumbarton FC secured promotion to the Scottish League One, marking a successful season for the club.
The team’s average distance covered per game was in excess of 8km, with some matches reaching more than 10km covered! Forward Finlay Gray recorded a top speed of 30.9kph in their match against The Spartans.
Drumchapel United
West of Scotland Football League First Division Winners and Strathclyde Cup Winners
Drumchapel United had an outstanding season, winning the West of Scotland Football League First Division and the Strathclyde Cup.
Our Success is Your Success
The success stories of Maidstone United, Hashtag United Women, Portsmouth Women, Glenvale AFC, Thorn Athletic, Horsham FC, Renfrew FC U20, Cribbs FC, Broxburn Athletic, Harthill Royal, Royal Engineers AFC, Kinloss Eagles RFC, Stenhousemuir FC, Dumbarton FC, and Drumchapel United highlight the transformative impact of PlayerData’s tracking technology. By leveraging the power of data analysis, these teams have been triumphant, securing league titles, promotions, and making historic cup runs. As these teams and others celebrate their accomplishments, they inspire us with their dedication and determination to the sport, setting the stage for future seasons of even greater achievements. We can't wait to see what the season ahead will bring!
