Paris Saint-Germain are one of several European clubs visiting Reading this week for an AI summit at the club's Bearwood Park training complex. Reading Head of AI Stuart Fenton said the visit from reigning Champions League winners PSG and Dutch giants Ajax shows the progress the Royals have made since launching a pioneering AI department a year ago under new owner Rob Couhig. Fenton told BBC Radio Berkshire it is 'super exciting' to host such teams and emphasized the summit is about learning, not being starstruck.

He explained Reading uses AI predominantly for recruitment, but also applies it to tactics, retail, and turf management at Select Car Leasing Stadium, including AI-assisted grass cutting models. The focus is on empowering staff, not replacing humans, by streamlining data to improve decision-making across the club. Fenton, the first Head of AI in English football, noted the benefits compound over time and highlighted a culture of innovation, where ground staff and others propose new AI applications.

The event also features Premier League side Crystal Palace and Champions League club Como, and will launch a new sports technology programme with Setanta College. Fenton concluded: 'We're not starstruck by these teams. The exciting thing is they're coming to us - we're not going to them.'.