Game Changer: How UWB And Qorvo Are Powering The Future Of Youth Sports

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, often associated with industrial automation and smart factories, is making an unexpected impact on youth sports thanks to a collaboration between Finland-based Noccela and Qorvo. Together, they’ve created a cost-efficient, cloud-powered system that brings professional-grade player tracking and performance insights to soccer fields—accessible not just for elite athletes, but for teenage players and their coaches.

The system uses lightweight, battery-powered UWB base stations and compact modules that can be quickly set up around a field. Data flows seamlessly to the cloud, eliminating the need for expensive on-site computing. Coaches gain real-time visibility into player positions, activity, and performance, which helps guide training decisions and motivates young athletes to stay engaged. For players, seeing their own data fosters enthusiasm, discipline, and team participation.

Affordability and simplicity are core design principles. By centralizing heavy computing in the cloud, Noccela ensures that its UWB networks are easy to deploy in diverse environments—not just sports, but also retail, healthcare, and food service. This scalability demonstrates UWB’s potential to transform how people live, work, and interact.

The partnership with Qorvo has been crucial. Qorvo’s advanced radio technology powers Noccela’s UWB networks, enabling precision tracking and reliability. As Qorvo’s experts note, UWB adds the critical “where” dimension to the Internet of Things, complementing the “what” and “when.”

From motivating teenagers on the soccer field to enabling smarter, safer environments across industries, this collaboration shows how innovative partnerships can bring cutting-edge technology into everyday life.