HOMEAboutAbout the APFA

About the APFA

APFA-The Association of Professional Analysis was formed by Analysts, for Analysts and aims to represent the football analysis industry worldwide. We aim to tackle a number of key issues and improve the industry via active education, community, career progression and goodwill.

For a long time football analysis has been publicly represented by individuals or companies who many cases have no background in applying analysis theory in practice in the real world. Some of them have ulterior motives, while some are simply trying to build a brand, reputation or following online. The level of discussion and analysis work in the public sphere often adds little value, and the rise of click bait content has watered down the reputation and understanding of what quality analysis can offer coaches, players or the football industry as a whole.

This gives people the feeling that they can already deliver quality analysis. Coaches and key decision makers think it’s a simple job, because what they see as ‘analysis’ publicly on social media and TV is often far from what a good analyst can provide a team or player.

This has had a huge impact in a number of areas including professional Analyst salaries, the rise of unpaid internships, and poor working conditions.

While nobody has the right to ‘own’ the analysis space and ‘gatekeep’ who can and can’t represent our profession, this situation has caused some major issues for the analysis industry. Public awareness and understanding is undoubtedly improving, but among many Analysts there’s a feeling there’s still a long way to go.

The APFA will have a large focus on personal development with bespoke formal and informal education and mentorship for existing and aspiring Analysts & Coaches. We also aim to bolster the Analysis community by providing tools for our members, improving job awareness and working conditions for current or aspiring Analysts.

Our 4 Corner Model

Active Education

We believe education is key to improving the understanding and implementation of football analysis. A key theme we found was too many courses offered by Scouts or Coaches with no or little real-life experience as an Analyst themselves. APFA courses are built by professional Analysts and the Coaches who work with them daily. By combining the two we hope to deliver best in class education. We’ll also be providing regular webinars, written content, ‘how to’ guides, expert interviews and other educational resources.

Community

The football analysis profession has been heavily influenced by a strong community of Analysts sharing their knowledge and insights. We aim to continue this culture and empower them however possible. This is especially the case for amateur Analysts not working for clubs or analysis providers who are hoping to start their career. We aim to expose them to more readers, watchers and ultimately, people who may want to employ them.

Career Progression

Powered by our active education and community principles, the APFA strives to help Coaches and Analysts progress in their careers should they wish to do so. Through networking events, education, highlighting job opportunities, mentorship programs and connections to paid roles, we aim to improve access to opportunities in football.

Goodwill

We recognise the lack of diversity in professional football analysis. Gender, race, economic background disability, and sexual orientation have all been, and continue to be barriers for many. The APFA commits to providing opportunities for these groups via discounted or free education and mentorship. The APFA will also donate to a range of other selected charitable organisations who are mostly but not exclusively based in sport.

APFA ambassodors and contributors
Ambassadors
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Oliver Gage
Oliver also launched an analysis education platform for players and coaches named CoachTech which has ceased operations as he joined the APFA.
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Carl Edwards
Carl is the Head of Analysis at Derby County. Originally from New Zealand, Carl previously held the same position at Rotherham United, Houston Dynamo and Wellington Phoenix in the Australian A-League.
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Carlon Carpenter
Carlon is the Head Video Analyst at Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer.
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Gary Curneena
Gary is a Tactical Performance Analyst at the professional level with Lou City (USL) in the United States. He is also the founder of Modern Soccer Coach education platform which includes a podcast with over 2 million listens, a webinar series and a number of coaching books.
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James Clarke Reed
James is Head of Business Development at sports analytics and technology provider Twenty3 and has been a consultant to a number of professional football clubs on performance analysis technology, workflows, staffing structures, and best practices.
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Jeremy Steele
Jeremy Steele is the Managing Director of football analytics consultancy Analytics FC, who provide data and consultancy to many top tier football clubs around the world. Their scope of work includes club acquisitions, player recruitment and sales, analysis processes and squad planning.
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Sam Lawson
Sam is currently Head of Video Performance at Austin FC, in Major League Soccer. Sam serves on the MLS Video Committee to help improve the analysis standards and technology available throughout the league.
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Sophie Bone
As the Head of Analysis at London City Lionesses, Sophie is one of the few full-time Performance Analysts working in the professional leagues in England.
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Tim Keech
Tim Keech is the Co-Founder of MRKT insights who consult to football clubs across the world on player & coach recruitment, squad planning, analysis processes and player development. In his role Tim regularly works with Sporting Directors, Coaches and Owners of clubs to provide best practice recommendations in these areas.
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APFA ambassadors and contributors
Contributors
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Ernst Tanner
Ernst Tanner is the Sporting Director for Philidalphia Union in MLS. Since joining the club, The Union have unprecedented success, winning the regular season MLS title for the first time in their history. From 2019-2022 no MLS team has won more points than the Union, who have also developed a number of academy players into the first team including Brenden Aaronson who now plays for Leeds United.
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Ewan Sharp
Ewan Sharp is a First Team Coach for Leeds United. With a background as a Performance Analyst, Ewan acts an a conduit between video & data and the coaching staff. Originally from Scotland, Ewan worked for Man Utd, New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC & Locomotive Moscow in similar roles.
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George Gelnovatch
George Gelnovatch is the Head Coach at the University of Virginia, where he's won two National Championships. Established as one of the top college programs in the USA, Virginia have developed dozens of professional players for Major League Soccer and other leagues across the world including Daryl Dike who currently plays for West Brom.
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Matt Pilkington
Matt Pilkington is the Head Coach of New York City FC II. Known as one of the best player developers in North America, Pilkington was one of City Football Group's first hires when they expanded in MLS, understanding their player development pipeline would be crucial to their long-term success.
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Mike Rigg
Mike Rigg is a technical leader and strategic thinker with over 25 years experience in the professional game. Mike has served as Technical Director for Man City, Burnley, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham as well as the Welsh Football Association. Mike has also been Academy Manager at Sheffield Wednesday, Head of Talent Management at the English FA and Chief Scout at Blackburn Rovers.
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Sam Lawson
Sam is currently Head of Video Performance at Austin FC, in Major League Soccer. Sam serves on the MLS Video Committee to help improve the analysis standards and technology available throughout the league.
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Jim Curtin
Jim Curtin is Head Coach of Philidalphia Union. Under Curtin, the Union won their first ever MLS regular season title and no team has taken more points than them from 2019-2022. Known for his innovative approach to analysis and player involvement, Curtin could be described as a modern facilitator who gives players ideas and tools to self-develop with targeted guidance.
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Lucy Rushton
Lucy Rushton is the General Manager and Head of Technical Recruitment & Analysis at DC United in MLS and one of the most prominent female's in professional football. Prior to her role with DC United, Lucy was the Head of Technical Recruitment & Analysis at Atlanta United where Lucy was pivotal in identifying and signing Miguel Almiron who was later transferred to Newcastle United for an MLS record fee. Lucy won the MLS Cup in with Atlanta 2018.
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Mark Krikorian
Mark Krikorian is the General Manager of Washington Spirit in the National Womens Soccer League (USA). Previously Mark was the Head Coach of Florida State Womens team, where he built a national powerhouse appearing in the national semi-finals 11 times in 17 seasons including three National Championship wins in 2014, 2018 and 2021.
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