Ulster University Professor Cathy Craig, an expert in experimental psychology, has developed a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) sports program called CleanSheet. Partnering with her husband, Dr. Adrien Kissenpfennig, they founded the neuro-technology start-up INCISIV five years ago. CleanSheet, recently launched on the Meta Quest store, promises to transform aspiring goalkeepers’ skills and decision-making through immersive VR experiences.
Decades of research
Professor Cathy Craig’s journey began over two decades ago when she posed a simple yet intriguing question: “How do goalkeepers make decisions about when and how to move to pull off a match-winning save?” This curiosity stemmed from observing players like David Beckham and Roberto Carlos and wondering how the bending and swerving of the ball affected goalkeepers’ decision-making.
To answer this question, Professor Craig needed a technology that could recreate the viewpoint of a goalkeeper. VR proved to be the perfect solution, allowing users to experience a “first-person” perspective as if they were in the goalkeeper’s position. CleanSheet was born from this idea, offering users an immersive experience to improve their goalkeeping skills.
Passion for Sports
Originally hailing from Armoy in the Glens of Antrim, Professor Cathy Craig has always been passionate about sports. As the world’s first academic to utilize VR for studying decision-making in sports, she sought to understand why athletes make certain choices on the field. Her personal drive to improve her own game fueled her research efforts.
User-friendly and realistic
CleanSheet has earned praise for its realistic virtual player movements during set pieces and the variety of shots that challenge the “keeper” from different speeds and angles. This attention to detail makes it a valuable tool for aspiring goalkeepers and enthusiasts looking to hone their skills.
CleanSheet isn’t just for aspiring goalkeepers; it also has a professional version used by the Belgian team Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG). Beyond sports training, Professor Craig’s work extends to analyzing the impact of concussion on the brain, collaborating with experts across Europe to provide objective data for better decision-making regarding players’ return to the field.
Expanding reach
INCISIV, the company behind CleanSheet, has expanded its reach to work with all 10 teams in the UK Elite Ice Hockey league and the Italian Rugby Federation. They are also exploring ways to help people with Parkinson’s disease using VR technology.
Professor Craig’s passion for virtual reality was ignited during her post-doctorate project at the University of Aix-Marseille in France. There, she collaborated with Adidas on a project analyzing the curve that could be applied to a soccer ball. She also had the opportunity to visit AC Milan in 2003, where she interacted with legendary players like Kaka, Shevchenko, Rui Costa, and Maldini, gaining valuable insights into high-level performance.
Dedication to research
Upon returning to Northern Ireland in 2005, Cathy Craig joined Queen’s University and secured a European Research Council (ERC) grant three years later. This funding allowed her to dedicate five years to researching human movement performance, paving the way for her technology’s market entry through INCISIV.
Northern Ireland Screen recognized the potential of Professor Craig’s work and supported her through funding. They understood the need to develop a rich skill base in this innovative field, much like what they had done for the film industry. Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, praised INCISIV as a “trailblazing” company with a focus on innovation, agility, and global competitiveness.
Professor Cathy Craig’s journey from asking a simple question about goalkeepers’ decision-making to developing CleanSheet, a groundbreaking VR goalkeeping training program, is a testament to the power of curiosity and innovation. With its user-friendly and realistic experience, CleanSheet is poised to transform the way aspiring goalkeepers train, while also making an impact in professional sports and medical fields. Through INCISIV, Professor Craig continues to push the boundaries of VR technology, helping athletes and individuals in various domains reach their full potential.
