Job Title: U18 Academy Analyst
Department: Performance Analysis
Reporting: Head of Academy Analysis
Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road
Salary: Competitive
Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.
Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.
We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.
We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.
We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.
Come join us.
Inclusion Statement
Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments’), you will have the opportunity to let us know at appropriate points in the hiring process.
Safeguarding Statement
Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club; safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.
Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record
Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.
If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.
The U18 Academy Analyst Role
The successful candidate will lead and implement the performance analysis provision for the Under-18 (U18) Team within the Professional Development Phase (PDP) of our academy, whilst working under the guidance of the Head of Academy Analysis. They will ensure the analysis provision delivered to the U18 Team is to the highest standard whilst assisting with the development of individual and team footballing excellence throughout the academy.
Someone who is successful in this role will be a proactive individual with an unyielding work ethic, synonymous with Brentford FC. They will consistently provide a positive energy allowing them to effectively engage with key stakeholders (coaching staff, players, wider academy staff, etc.), forming integral working relationships. In addition to this, they will have a deep understanding of football within an elite academy environment and the nuances of individual player development. The work they create and provide will be carried out with scrupulous levels of detail and punctuality, whilst being completely adaptable to fast paced nature of elite level sport. The insights they generate, from a qualitative and quantitative perspective, will play a crucial part in aiding and developing the academy coaching process and in turn, the individual development of each player they work with.
Key Pillars of the Role
1. Match & Training Analysis
A core part of the U18 Academy Analyst role will be developing and utilising processes to generate insights from all U18 matches and training sessions. Specific responsibilities will include:
Operating hardware and software to record all U18 matches and training sessions and set up a live video stream for instant feedback.
Code all U18 matches and training sessions from a team and individual perspective. Team codes will be in alignment with the First Team ‘Style of Play’ concepts to generate bespoke data. Individual codes will be aligned to the ‘Academy Player Profiles’ and each player IDP (Individual Development Plan).
Provide live information & feedback to the U18 coaching staff and players during the match and at half-time.
Ensure all footage and codes of each match and training sessions are promptly uploaded to the relevant platforms and shared with key stakeholders, internal and external.
2. Player & Team Development Insights
The information gathered by the U18 Academy Analyst will then be
processed and delivered to key stakeholders as a crucial part of the player
development process. They will ensure all insights generated clearly support player IDPs and their progression throughout the PDP. Specific responsibilities will include:
Developing aesthetically appealing presentations, in line with club templates, to visualise and present data effectively.
Utilising video footage, animations, telestrations and data, to produce pre-match and post-match presentations for the U18 coaching staff and players. Examples including, but not limited to:
-Post-match ‘IDP Report’ consisting of video and data to track the individual development of each U18 player on a match-to-match basis.
-Post-match ‘Style of Play’ data report to reinforce First Team concepts.
-Pre-match opposition analysis reports.
Being creative and varied in the delivery method of player analysis sessions (team, unit, individual). Working in collaboration with the U18 coaching staff to create an environment that encourages player ownership.
3. Data & Systems Management
After every match and training session, the U18 Academy Analyst will be expected to be proactive in the maintenance of analytical databases. Allowing the Academy Analysis team to reinforce the club’s methodology effectively on an individual and team level. Specific responsibilities will include:
Maintaining and updating statistical databases to:
-Track the individual development of every U18 player in relation to the ‘Academy Player Profiles’ and their IDP targets.
-Generate insights on alignment to First Team ‘Style of Play’.
-Recording each players match minutes in detail to inform the ‘Academy Games Programme’.
-Register all U18 analysis sessions to track variety and player engagement.
Archiving footage from matches and training into:
-Individual player video databases that align with the ‘Academy Player Profiles’, creating a library of clips that couple with data to track and reinforce each player IDP.
-Team video databases to further reinforce the First Team ‘Style of Play’ and create educational videos for academy players.
Linking with the Performance Department to develop different projects, creating a multi-disciplinary approach to analysis delivery.
4. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
The ability of the U18 Academy Analyst to communicate effectively with key stakeholders is imperative. The successful candidate will need to:
Liaise with the U18 Head Coach, U18 MDT and Head of Academy Analysis to understand the daily requirements.
Comfortable leading and presenting a variety of meetings to the U18 Head Coach, U18 MDT staff and U18 players.
Able to provide technical support to all U18 players regarding analysis software, giving them the ability to perform their own analysis.
Complete ad hoc tasks as requested by the Academy Director, Head of Analysis, Head of Academy Analysis, PDP coaching staff and Academy Management Team.
Ensure that the Academy Analysis department complies with all EPPP requirements.
General Club Accountabilities
To ensure compliance with all relevant club policies, including GDRP, PECR and PL PMA.
To ensure compliance with all relevant club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
To ensure compliance with the club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
To ensure compliance with the club’s Code of Conduct.
To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the club, in line with our EDI strategy’
To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, always maintaining a professional image when representing Brentford FC
To keep confidential any information gained regarding the club and its personnel.
To always maintain a flexible approach to work.
Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager
Key Internal Relationships
Head of Analysis & Head of Academy Analysis.
Academy Director and Academy Management Team.
U18 Head Coach.
U18 MDT and Support Staff.
Senior Club Technical and Football Department staff.
External Companies
Person Specification - Essential Personal Characteristics
Highly analytical and has a scrupulous attention to detail.
Ability to work under high pressure & meet deadlines.
Excels at communicating with others and working within a wider team (MDT, Academy Analysis and wider Academy team). Able to provide information to key stakeholders effectively.
Has a passion for football and their own personal development. Dynamic, hardworking and consistent enthusiasm.
Proactive decision maker who will ensure all tasks are completed on time to the highest standard.
A creative and progressive mindset to continually strive for improvement and the development of new ideas.
Organised and adept at preparing, planning and implementing workloads and schedules.
Ability to work unsociable hours as required involving work outside normal office hours, evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.
Must be able to travel abroad for the academy games schedule.
Experience working in elite football, PDP level or higher.
Experience using analysis-related software (Angles, Piston, Spiideo, RT Tactic Pro, WyScout, Tableau, Microsoft Excel or similar).
Understands Health & Safety principles and practices.
1st Class / 2:1 Degree
Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics
Masters in a Performance Analysis / Sports Science discipline.
Coaching experience / qualifications.
Data Science qualifications.