Across keynotes, panels, and discussions, the Summit will bring together perspectives from across football, from strategy and methodology to data, innovation, and performance. It’s a chance to understand how leading clubs and organisations are rethinking talent development for the next generation.
Sustainable success in modern football requires more than just big budgets. It’s about aligning structure, strategy, and leadership to create lasting impact. Dr. Tilman Tacke will build on his research into Team Value Management, showing how efficiency and strategic clarity can outperform raw spending power. From a broader sporting perspective, Abdullah Hammad of Mahd Sports Academy will share how Saudi Arabia is building a national model for talent development driven by innovation and long-term vision. Meanwhile, Amílcar Carvalho of KKS Lech Poznań will offer insights into how clear methodology and technological investment can turn a youth academy into the cornerstone of a club’s growth.
From data-driven insights to applied neuroscience, innovation continues to redefine how players learn and perform. Dr. Michael Senske (FC Bayern München) will demonstrate how analytics and scientific thinking – including the measurement of performance with both feet – are used to shape player development and scouting. Steffen Barthel (TSG ResearchLab) will introduce new research comparing 360° screens and VR headsets, revealing how players’ perception and decision-making differ between technologies. Antonio Gutiérrez López (Sevilla FC) will show how neuroscience can be applied in academy settings to better understand and enhance player performance.
At the heart of the Summit lies the question of how to guide young players toward professional football. Jochen Sauer (FC Bayern München), Paul Schaffran (Borussia Dortmund), and Nuno Maurício (SL Benfica) will each share how their clubs design structured pathways that connect methodology, data, and education. Richard Allen (FIFA) will add a global perspective, exploring how effective talent identification systems can help federations and clubs unlock potential and sustain long-term success.
This year, the Summit will also look beyond the game. Dr. Helmut Marko (Red Bull Racing) brings the perspective of Formula 1, an environment where performance, progression, and pressure define success. His contribution will highlight what football can learn from other elite sports when it comes to identifying, nurturing, and sustaining top talent.
With more speakers still to come – including new names from the Premier League – the Summit’s line-up continues to grow. Two days of insights, exchange, and innovation await in Graz this November.
Discover the full program and request your ticket via summit.skills-lab.com.
