MSc Applied Sports Performance Analysis Placement – Birmingham City Football Club & University of Worcester

Birmingham City Football Club is offering an exciting MSc work placement opportunity in its Academy Performance Analysis department, which will run alongside their studies on the MSc Applied Sports Performance Analysis postgraduate course at the University of Worcester.

The successful candidate will have a fantastic opportunity to be part of an ambitious club that is striving to become a beacon of excellence. The candidate will play an integral role in supporting and driving the department’s provision across the U9-U21 age groups.

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 Department.
• The role will be based at The Knighthead Training and Academy Grounds (B38 9EJ). The role will also include travel to support games played at other venues where necessary.
• The placement will start in August 2024 and last until the end of May 2025.
• 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

• Supporting analysis processes across the U9-U21 age groups.
• Filming games and training sessions, where necessary.
• Creating and maintaining best practice libraries of our academy players and the academies playing philosophy.
• Creation of learning activation and learning review videos based on the coaching curriculum.
• Maintain processes and produce reports required by the department (e.g. Multi-Disciplinary Player Reports, Kitman Labs).
• Contributing to 5 and 10-week MDT meetings and player reviews.
• Aiding with coach development by filming sessions and producing a report in line with the Coach Analysis process.
• Utilising knowledge and experience gained from MSc degree to help inform the department around contemporary research and industry tools.
• Helping the department with tasks and projects where necessary.
• Ensuring all equipment is maintained and upkept to the appropriate standards.
• Hosting workshops for the relevant age group players and parents, as and when necessary.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and falling within the scope of the post, as requested by the Head of Academy Performance Analysis and Academy Manager(s).
• Communicate and promote the Academy culture and values within the elite environment for the development of our young players.
• To demonstrate consistent high standards of behaviour and to operate within the parameters of the laws of the game, the rules of the Football Association, Premier League and the EFL.

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 ([email protected]) by 5 pm on Wednesday 8th May 2024 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 and currently in the process of applying. To apply for the course, please click here: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/sport-performance-analysis-msc#how-to-apply