iON Cameras, based at St. Modwen’s £1 billion Longbridge regeneration scheme, is literally shooting for the stars after signing a three year partnership with Premier League champions Manchester City Football Club.
The global company is providing a package of cutting edge cameras and software that will capture unique behind-the-scenes footage that can be used as a training tool and enable the fans to get closer than ever to their beloved team.
Players of the Premier League team will wear point-of-view (POV) sports action cameras to capture match day and training footage, while iON’s tricks and skills software will allow fans and budding players to upload their own football moves and compare themselves to City stars such as Sergio Aquero, David Silva and Yaya Toure.
iON is also set to install fan booths in BT City Square, the Club’s purpose built fan entertainment zone outside the Etihad Stadium. Grass roots activity at one-off iON soccer clinics will integrate the products as an educational tool to help the development of aspiring City stars.
Lawrence Davis, iON’s Chief Operations Officer UK, said: “’We are delighted to become Manchester City’s official global sports action camera partner. Combining technology and exclusive first team access, we are capturing footage that will enhance supporters’ match day experience on and off the pitch, and improve technical performance amongst academy and first team players, as well as future footballing stars. We are looking forward to this long term partnership and hope the fans enjoy their up close and personal interaction with the team.”
iON runs its European and UK operations from its offices at the Innovation Centre at the £100 million Longbridge Technology Park, which has fast become a hub for more than 50 local, national and international ICT based businesses since opening nearly seven years ago.
Lawrence added: “We moved into a single room at the Innovation centre a year ago and quickly expanded into three suites to accommodate our growing business.
“We are very happy at Longbridge. It has great transport links, top class hotels and a great town centre, all on our doorstep.”
Innovation Centre manager James Teal said: “I would like to congratulate iON on its partnership with Manchester City. The company’s success and calibre reflects the quality of businesses at Longbridge Technology Park, which offers modern accommodation, innovative business solutions and services and access to a wide range of leisure facilities.”
iON’s global headquarters is in New Jersey, America and it counts World Rally, Lucas Oil and FIA World Rallycross Championship amongst its other clients.
Located within five minutes’ drive of the M42 and the M5, Longbridge is just eight miles from the centre of Birmingham and is close to Longbridge train station, which provides direct access to Birmingham University and Birmingham New Street to the north and Redditch to the south.