Insights from Arian Ghaderi, Co-Founder and COO of Smart Runners
The intersection of sports and technology is reshaping how athletes train, perform, and connect with their fans. With advances in performance analytics, wearable tech, and virtual training platforms, the sports technology sector offers diverse career opportunities for those passionate about both sports and innovation. As Arian Ghaderi, CEO of Smart Runners and a sports tech entrepreneur, shares his insights, it’s clear that this sector holds immense potential for athletes transitioning into tech-driven roles.
The Rise of Sports Technology
In the UK and globally, sports technology is gaining traction for its ability to enhance athletic performance and fan engagement. The market is brimming with opportunities ranging from wearable devices that track athletes’ stats to performance analytics that influence coaching decisions in real-time. For athletes with a knack for technology, there’s never been a better time to explore these exciting career paths.
Diverse Roles in Sports Tech: From Developers to Scrum Masters
Arian emphasises that the sports technology sector offers roles suited to various skill sets and passions. Here’s a breakdown of some key positions and how athletes can excel in them:
- Software Developer
- Developers are at the core of sports tech, writing the code behind apps, analytics tools, and performance platforms. According to Arian, formal degrees in computer science aren’t a necessity. In fact, Smart Runners doesn’t weigh university degrees heavily. “Youngsters these days can learn everything online—from platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and W3 Schools,” he says. The most important attributes are the ability to learn and a deep commitment to the project or product. It’s a field where passion and hands-on experience can outweigh traditional education.
- Product Owner/Manager
- This role serves as a bridge between developers and clients, ensuring the product meets client expectations. Athletes who transition into product management bring unique advantages, particularly when working with clients from the sports world. Their background in sports adds value by promoting a deeper understanding of the client’s needs and earning respect on both sides. Arian points out that this position requires excellent communication and organisational skills, rather than technical coding expertise.
- Product Advisor/User Tester
- Athletes can also leverage their sports experience by offering expert feedback during the development of sports tech products. “They can stay one step ahead of clients, understanding absolute requirements before they even come up,” Arian notes. Athletes in this role play a crucial part in user testing, providing valuable context and insights to ensure the tech is designed with its intended users in mind.
- Scrum Master (Tech Project Management)
- For athletes with discipline, organisational skills, and a drive for getting things done, the role of Scrum Master is ideal. Scrum Masters facilitate daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and conflict resolution, keeping the development team on track. Arian suggests that athletes’ experience with teamwork and leadership can be seamlessly applied to managing tech projects, helping teams achieve their goals on time and within budget.
Continuous Learning: Degrees vs. Practical Experience
Arian strongly advocates for practical learning through online courses, certificate programs, and mentorship. Smart Runners encourages hands-on experience through bootcamps, internships, and mentorships. These alternatives offer focused and practical learning, providing athletes with the skills they need to transition into tech roles without the time and financial commitments of traditional education.
Smart Runners: A Team of Athletes at the Forefront of Sports Tech
Smart Runners is a shining example of what can be achieved when athletes embrace technology. The company is composed of former and current pro athletes across various roles, including analysts, scrum masters, and human resources. “We’re at the intersection of technology, data, and sports, which is a common passion within our team,” Arian says. The company’s mission is to empower athletes by using performance data to help them get seen and recognised, regardless of their background or location.
Smart Runners strives to build a global network that connects players, coaches, clubs, and legends, ensuring that everyone benefits from the shared values within the community. This vision aligns with the opportunities available for athletes to get involved in tech, whether it’s through coding, product management, or providing expert feedback.
Getting Started in Sports Tech
For athletes interested in sports technology, Arian recommends starting with online resources like Coursera, W3 Schools, and bootcamps to build foundational skills. By combining their sports experience with tech knowledge, athletes can find exciting roles in an industry that values passion, innovation, and continuous learning. With so many pathways—from coding to user testing—athletes have endless opportunities to shape the future of sports tech.
In conclusion, sports technology offers a dynamic and evolving career landscape for athletes transitioning from the field to the tech world. Arian Ghaderi and Smart Runners exemplify the exciting opportunities available to those with a passion for both sports and innovation. Whether it’s through software development, project management, or user testing, the future of sports is being shaped by tech-savvy athletes eager to make an impact.
