U18 Academy Analyst

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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. 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.
• Being creative and varied in the delivery method of player analysis sessions (team, unit, individual).
• 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. Specific responsibilities will include:
• Maintaining and updating statistical databases.
• Archiving footage from matches and training into individual player video databases.
• Linking with the Performance Department to develop different projects.
• 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.
• Complete ad hoc tasks as requested by the Academy Director, Head of Analysis, Head of Academy Analysis, PDP coaching staff and Academy Management Team.

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant club policies, including GDRP, PECR and PL PMA.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
• 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.

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.
• Has a passion for football and their own personal development.
• 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.
• 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.

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

• Masters in a Performance Analysis / Sports Science discipline.
• Coaching experience / qualifications.
• Data Science qualifications.