The Digital Playbook – Sport & Technology Workshop
Sport Meets Tech. Your Future Starts Here. Plus: FC26 FIFA Tournament – €200 Voucher to be won!
An interactive half-day workshop for young athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts (16-30) to explore how technology is transforming the world of sport.
Kick off the morning with our FIFA tournament – winner announced during the workshop!
Date & Location:
📅 Sunday, 26 April 2026 · 12:30 – 17:00
📍 Ghent
🎟️ Free · Limited to 50 participants
FIFA Tournament – Before the Workshop
🎮 FC26 DIALI FIFA TOURNAMENT
16 Players. 1 Winner. €200 Voucher from Full Time Sport.
Before we dive into the future of sport and technology, we’re kicking off the morning with a FIFA tournament open to 16 players.
⏰ Tournament: 10:00 – 11:30
🏆 Prize: €200 voucher from Full Time Sport
🎁 Award ceremony: The winner will be announced and receive their prize during the workshop closing (13:30)
How to join:
When you register for the workshop, simply indicate that you’d like to participate in the FIFA tournament. Spots are limited to 16 – first come, first served.
Come play, compete, then stay for the expert panels, tech demos, and networking.
About the Workshop
Technology is rewriting the rules of sport. From data analytics to wearable tech, eSports to AI – the sports industry is evolving faster than ever. But most young people never get the chance to meet the people building this future.
"The Digital Playbook" changes that.
This is not a lecture. It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll:
Learn from experts – scouts, data analysts, wearable tech specialists, eSports professionals, and sports business leaders.
Ask your questions – panel discussions with open Q&A.
Build your network – connect with professionals and peers who share your passion.
Whether you dream of being a pro athlete, a data analyst, a coach, or a sports entrepreneur – this workshop will give you the insights and connections to take the next step.
Who Is This For?
Young athletes (16-30) who want to understand the tech side of sport
Coaches and trainers looking to integrate technology into their work
Sports management students eager to explore career paths
Tech enthusiasts interested in sports applications
Anyone curious about the future of sport.
Agenda
Time | Segment | Description |
12:30 - 13:00 | Arrival & Tech-Taster | Participants arrive, informal networking, early demos running |
13:00 – 13:15 | Welcome & Kick-off | Introduction to the day, the speakers, and the "why" behind sports tech |
13:15 – 14:30 | Speakers Intro & Panel Discussion | 4 speakers share their insights (see topics below) |
14:30 – 14:45 | Break/Pause | Break/Pause |
14:45 – 15:45 | Panel Discussion | All speakers on stage, moderated conversation + audience Q&A |
15:45 – 16:00 | Networking & Close | Informal chats, thank yous, what's next (tournament) |
Speakers (To Be Announced)
We’re assembling a lineup of industry leaders from:
Professional clubs (scouting & analytics departments)
Sports tech companies (wearables, data platforms)
eSports organizations
Sports business
Check back soon for speaker announcements!
Previous workshop speakers included: Jonathan (Elite Scout, KV Mechelen), Christophe Van Pottelsberghe (Academy Director, Royal Knokke FC), Bjorn (Ex-Pro), and Godwill Moraka (UEFA Licensed coach).
Why Attend?
✅ Direct access to professionals who work in sports technology
✅ Hands-on demos of real industry tools
✅ Actionable insights – leave with a clearer idea of your next steps
✅ Networking – meet people who can open doors
✅ Certificate of participation (Youthpass eligible)
✅ Free of charge – funded by the European Solidarity Corps
Registration
Spots are limited to 50. Registration is free, but we ask for a serious commitment – a no-show fee applies to ensure everyone who wants to attend gets a fair chance.
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with venue details and the final agenda.
Day Schedule
8 August 2026
09:00
Gates Open & Team Arrival
Registration, changing rooms open, warm-up available. Club liaisons welcomed by DIALI staff. Squad lists verified.
10:00
Opening Ceremony & First Kick-Off
Official opening, flag parade, simultaneous first matches begin on both pitches.
10:00–13:30
Group Stage — Morning Session
All 12 group stage matches played across both pitches. Each team plays 3 matches of 20 minutes (2×10 min, stopped clock). Every team guaranteed 3 games before break.
13:30–14:30
Lunch Break & Group Stage Results
Catering available on site. Group standings confirmed. Semi-final and play-off matchups announced. Bracket displayed at both pitches.
14:30
Semi-Finals (Simultaneous)
Pitch 1: 1st Group A vs 2nd Group B · Pitch 2: 1st Group B vs 2nd Group A. 20 minutes each (stopped clock). Penalty shootout if level.
15:15
5th Place Play-off & 3rd Place Play-off (Simultaneous)
Pitch 1: 3rd Group A vs 3rd Group B (5th place play-off) · Pitch 2: Semi-final Loser 1 vs Semi-final Loser 2 (3rd place play-off).
16:30
🏆 DIALI Cup Grand Final
Both pitches cleared. Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2. All spectators and scouts gathered for the showpiece match of the tournament.
17:30–18:00
Awards Ceremony
Trophy presentation, Player of the Tournament, Best XI, Fair Play Award. Official close of the 1st DIALI International Youth Tournament.
Participating Countries
5 Countries. One Tournament.
🇧🇪Belgium - Confirmed
🇳🇱Netherlands - In Talks
🇫🇷France - In Talks
🇩🇪Germany - Outreach
🇱🇺Luxembourg - Outreach
Tournament Venue
Park Groot Schijn
Address 📍
Ruggeveldlaan 488, 2100 Deurne, Antwerp, Belgium
Pitches ⚽
2 full-size outdoor natural grass pitches available simultaneously throughout the day.
Facilities 🚿
Changing rooms with showers included for all teams. Additional changing rooms available on request
Getting There 🚌
15 minutes from Antwerp Central Station by bus. Parking available on site for team buses and coaches.