Why I Chose VALD: From budget-friendly beginnings to best-in-class performance

About the Author

Martin Nugent is the director of strength and conditioning at Martin Nugent Elite Performance, with facilities in Durham and London, UK. A PhD candidate in sport science, he reflects on his transition from rudimentary and siloed products to a fully integrated testing system – and the role VALD now plays in his facility’s growth.

Starting with What You Can Afford

Like many coaches, I started with limited resources. Early testing involved jump mats, tape measures and other budget tools. If the setup, execution and environment were consistent, we could get a rough measure – but the accuracy and repeatability were not reliable enough to drive decisions.

As a practitioner, I found that starting with simple tools is a great way to understand the basics of testing. However, practitioners will quickly run into a ceiling effect based on what can be measured and how confident they are in the data.

…simple tools [are] a great way to understand the basics of testing. However, [there is a] ceiling effect based on what can be measured and how confident [you] are in the data.

As funding grew, we moved to higher-end jump mats and velocity trackers. However, inconsistencies remained. Unrealistic numbers, limited reliability and poor integration with other metrics were still holding our operations back from what we knew was possible.

Common low-technology testing options include the vertical approach jump, push-up test and broad jump.

Stepping Up to a Previous Provider

Before switching to VALD, we invested in a force plate system from a different provider. It came with a one-time hardware purchase and what was marketed as a “lifetime license” – no ongoing costs, no subscription.

On paper, it appeared to be a safe long-term investment…but over time, cracks started to show.

On paper, it appeared to be a safe long-term investment – particularly for a private facility where budget planning and cash flow are critical – but over time, cracks started to show.

Frustration points with the previous provider’s technology.

Hardware Maintenance Was a Liability

Major system updates required a physical hardware change, which became a daunting task to take apart our investment piece by piece, with next-to-zero training on electronics assembly. Had something gone wrong, our system would have been unusable with no clear warranty path.

Without direct support in our local area, we were constantly routed overseas for questions or support. As new force plate users, we often had to schedule meetings outside of regular hours or rearrange client appointments to make time for calls with our provider’s support team.

Workflow Disruptions Added Up

While the hardware initially seemed like a step up from our previous tools, everyday use exposed several friction points. Battery life was inconsistent, meaning that sessions would occasionally freeze mid-test, despite the system showing sufficient charge.

The testing options were limited – anything outside the default presets required manual configuration that slowed everything down. On top of that, reporting was labor-intensive, requiring exports and manual formatting, only to deliver usable results.

Deciding It Was Time to Move Forward

As the business matured, I knew I wanted to evolve beyond the limitations we were facing. The aim was simple – have the best technology in the business, fully integrated across different testing areas, with robust support to match.

The aim was simple – have the best technology in the business, fully integrated across different testing areas, with robust support to match.

That is when I spoke with VALD’s Regional Head of UK and Ireland.

The First Look at VALD

After seeing a live, in-person demo of ForceDecks and the broader VALD ecosystem, we quickly realized this was not just an upgrade – it was a complete game-changer in how we could operate.

Applications and visualizations of the systems Martin and his team adopted from VALD.

…we quickly realized this was not just an upgrade – it was a complete game-changer in how we could operate.

Seeing ForceDecks integrated with NordBord, ForceFrame, DynaMo and SmartSpeed – all within one connected system – made me realize how fragmented our setup had been. Before, I was juggling separate technologies for strength, power, hamstring testing and speed measurements. With VALD, everything could live in one place.

Going All In 

When we made the switch, we did not dip a toe in the water – we dove in headfirst. Our first order included:

• Two ForceDecks
• One NordBord
• One ForceFrame
• One SmartSpeed Plus
• One DynaMo Plus

We even invested in the London facility (our second facility) before it officially opened…

We even invested in the London facility (our second facility) before it officially opened, ensuring we could hit the ground running with the same technology setup. We are confident in the value our practitioners bring when given the equipment.

The VALD Difference

The experience we have had with VALD has been great. From support and workflows to overall resources, working with the VALD team has been phenomenal.

VALD Resources support any learning format, from in-depth guides to short, digestible videos.

Support and Collaboration

With VALD, we have learned that if something breaks, it gets replaced – fast.

Training is accessible, and the team listens. Feature requests do not disappear into a void; they often come back implemented within weeks.

This level of responsiveness builds trust and keeps our systems running smoothly.

Intuitive and Athlete-Friendly Workflows

Testing is simple to run, results are easy to interpret and athletes see their data in real time. As practitioners, you have limited opportunities to make a professional impression on your athletes. With VALD interfaces such as MoveHealth, we can automatically deliver high-quality reports directly to each athlete’s phone – helping to drive buy-in from athletes, coaches and practitioners alike.

Integrated, Professional-Grade Reporting and Testing

Reports are automatically generated in a professional format – no spreadsheets or manual formatting required. With built-in tests ranging from baseline countermovement jumps (CMJs) to ACL return-to-play protocols, as well as assessments of strength, power, speed and asymmetry, all captured in one system, we can assess any athlete and link the data directly to their performance goals.

These capabilities streamline our workflows, strengthen athlete engagement and elevate the standard of service we deliver every day.

These capabilities streamline our workflows, strengthen athlete engagement and elevate the standard of service we deliver every day.

Real-World Impact

The benefits are not theoretical – they have changed how we work day to day.

Identifying Performance Deficits

I was assessing a professional footballer returning from a meniscus injury. His club’s medical staff noted he was “shielding” during a change of direction. Using VALD’s data, we identified the real issue – he was underperforming in eccentric capacities.

We focused our rehabilitation efforts on restoring eccentric strength, and as soon as it improved, his change-of-direction efficiency returned without consciously “fixing” his technique. That is the kind of clear, evidence-based insight you cannot get from a less capable system.

Objective Return-to-Play Decisions

We regularly work with athletes returning from ACL injuries, but they often feel ready before the data supports it. Without objective measures, it becomes a judgment call – practitioner vs. athlete. With reliable testing, we can confidently say “not yet,” and base that decision on data, not instinct.

With reliable testing, we can confidently say “not yet,” and base that decision on data, not instinct.

Return on Investment

Switching to VALD meant going from almost no recurring technology costs to a monthly subscription. However, to me, it is not a cost – it is an essential piece of practice. The subscription covers warranty, support and even hardware upgrades, which means we are always operating with confidence and the latest tools available.

In the private sector, efficiency and accuracy directly impact both revenue and reputation. VALD reduces admin time, sharpens communication and helps us deliver a level of service that sets us apart.

As I have told my team, it is like having a high-performance navigation system for athlete development. It guides everything we do, ensuring every decision is backed by accurate, reliable data.

Final Word

Transitioning from basic jump mats to a fully integrated, world-class testing ecosystem, my journey with technology has always been about getting better results for athletes.

With VALD, I am not just keeping up with the best – I am confident we are helping to improve the standard of care ourselves, and I would not go anywhere else.

Ready to elevate your performance testing with accurate measurement systems, streamlined workflows and dedicated support? Get in touch with our team today.