Birmingham City Football Club is offering an exciting MSc work placement opportunity for two enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals that are striving towards a career in Performance Analysis within Football. The placement will run alongside their studies on the MSc Applied Sports Performance Analysis postgraduate course at the University of Worcester. The successful candidate will be integrated into the Academy Performance Analysis & Data where they will play a key role in supporting and driving the department's processes.

 

The MSc course is delivered via blended learning and as such, you are not required to be based in Worcester for your studies outside of the two intensive weeks. Due to the distance learning nature of the course, only UK, Irish and EU citizens with settled status may apply for this funded placement opportunity. More details can be found here regarding the course: https://sway.office.com/LJUYMwIuwY60aPUo

Placement Overview

• The successful candidates will be available for the equivalent of 5 days per week (equiv. 25 hours). The exact hours per week are to be discussed, however, they may include operating outside normal office hours (e.g. weekends and bank holidays).
• The placement will be based within the Academy Performance Analysis & Data Department.
• The role will be based at Wast Hills Training Ground (B38 9EL). The role will also include travel to support games played at other venues where necessary.
• The placement will start in July 2023 and last until June 2024.
• Birmingham City will directly cover the full costs of tuition fees for the programme and cover travel expenses from local base to site to a maximum of £300 per month for the duration of the placement, and breakfast and lunch when at site.

Learning Opportunities, Role Specific Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Academy Performance Analyst to meet the objectives of the Performance Analysis & Data department. 
• Support the analysis processes for the U9-U21 age groups.
• Create and deliver analysis sessions for the U9-U14 age groups. This includes group and individual sessions.
• Creation, uploading and presenting of learning activation videos concerning the coaching curriculum. 
• Live recording and coding of academy fixtures. Recording of training sessions where necessary.
• Analyse, review and evaluate fixtures to produce statistical data as detailed in the Academy Performance Plan. 
• Evaluation of game data and creation of key information on observed trends to the coaching staff as required. 
• Aiding in coach development through the Coach Analysis process involves filming a specific coaching session and providing objective feedback to the coach.
• Help to maintain best-practice libraries for both teams and individuals.
• Performing other tasks assigned to the Performance Analysis & Data department where necessary.

General Roles & Responsibilities

• Communicate and promote the Academy culture creating an elite environment for the development of young players.
• To support the academy performance analysts in their day-to-day duties to ensure the highest standards of work are met.
• To ensure consistency of analysis throughout all levels of the club.
• Communicate and engage with parents/guardians where appropriate.
• Attend all professional development events.
• Attend meetings, conferences and other associated events as directed by the Performance Analysis Department.
• Any other duties as defined from time to time in conjunction with the Performance Analysis Department.
• Always monitor the well-being of Academy players, liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Ensure compliance with all the Policies and Procedures contained within the Staff Handbook, always paying regard to the Equal Opportunities Policy and Health & Safety Policy and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

• An understanding of the role of Performance Analysis either through academic qualifications or experience.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and working under pressure. Showing good initiative to work under own accord.
• A team player who fits in with the Academy values (Hard Work, Honesty and Commitment) and demonstrates these consistently.
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop effective relationships with both staff and players.
• Always be professional when representing the academy and club. Uphold the expected standards of the department.
• Receptive to feedback about own behaviour, strengths and areas for improvement.
• Show a desire to learn and to improve through curiosity and self-awareness around one’s self-development.

 

Desirable

• Prior experience in the provision of performance analysis support.
• Knowledgeable in tactical and technical concepts of football. Through prior experience in the game or formal study (e.g. UEFA C Coaching License).
• Previous coaching or teaching experience with an understanding towards different pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning.
• Basic knowledge and experience of data and video analysis systems and their use and impact to improve/assess performance.
• FA Safeguarding Children, FA First Aid in Sport and DBS certificates (Any required training will now be undertaken on commencement).
• Valid Driving License.

How to Apply

• To apply, please send your CV (maximum of 2 pages) and a covering letter detailing why you are suitable for the post to John Francis (performanceanalysis@worc.ac.uk) by 5 pm on Sunday 14th May 2023 using the job title as the subject of your email. Cover letter and CV should be saved as a pdf document.
• Successful candidates shall then be invited to stage 2 of the process.
• Please note applicants must be eligible for the University of Worcester MSc Sport (Applied Performance Analysis) course. To apply for the course, please click here: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/sport-performance-analysis-msc#how-to-apply