Southampton FC tackles internet security

Southampton Football Club is protecting its web users and IT network with an internet filtering system.

The club is making more use of IT than ever before following the opening of an academy hostel and the introduction of the cutting edge sports science methods employed by performance director, Sir Clive Woodward.

There are now around 40 PCs connected to the internet at the Staplewood training ground with additional access points at the academy hostel and the club's St Mary's stadium.

When users break their access policies, by attempting to access a forbidden website or using the internet when they are not meant to, the system blocks them and alerts the IT department.

With players as young as 14 staying at the academy hostel, they require internet access to help them keep up with academic work.

Southampton's IT manager, Mark Wierzbicki, said the club has a moral responsibility to these young players and their parents, meaning an internet filtering system is essential. The system "gives you the flexibility without being dictatorial", he said.

The club is using Scalable Network's Bluecoat internet filtering system. The system works by applying user-specific policies to govern internet access through the club's firewall.

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When users break their access policies, by attempting to access a forbidden website or using the internet when they are not meant to, the system blocks them and alerts the IT department.

The club makes further use of tech through its sports science training, which uses IT to analyse player skills, past matches and opponents through video and simulation programmes.

Wierzbicki told silicon.com that although the club has never had an incident of internet abuse, the club felt it was prudent to make these measures with the growing use of the internet at the club.

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