The Reality of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Sports Clubs in the Kingdom of Bahrain

This research aimed to identify the reality of AI applications in sports clubs in Bahrain by measuring the extent to which employees in sports clubs understand the concept and importance of AI and its uses in the sports field, as well as identifying the reality of AI systems application in these clubs and the main obstacles they face in this area. The study employed a questionnaire as a research tool, which was administered to a random sample selected using a snowball method, comprising 97 administrators and coaches from first-tier sports clubs. The study revealed a high level of understanding of the concept and importance of AI and its applications in the sports field, as well as a high level of AI application implementation in the clubs despite facing obstacles, the most significant being the need for substantial investments to activate AI applications more efficiently in all sports clubs. This suggests that smaller clubs may face financial challenges that prevent them from adopting this technology, as well as the need for specialized competencies, which represents a significant barrier, especially given the rising demand in the market for technology specialists. The study recommended the necessity of establishing innovative funding strategies and developing training programs to qualify the staff of sports clubs, which can help reduce costs and strengthen local expertise. Additionally, the research recommended the establishment of a dedicated AI management department in all sports clubs.