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- Tasks: Lead performance analysis for U21 players, enhancing their transition to professional football.
- Company: Join Crystal Palace FC, a historic Premier League club with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy match tickets, discounts, health benefits, and a volunteering day off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' careers in a dynamic football environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Performance Analysis or related field; 2-3 years in elite football.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive workplace committed to your growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites – brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.
As the Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst, you will play a central role in delivering and driving all performance analysis processes for the U21 age group, working across pre-match, live, and post-match phases. This role sits at a critical point within the club’s player pathway, supporting the transition from Academy football to the professional game. You will lead the analysis provision for the U21s, contributing to the technical, tactical, and decision‑making development of players, while providing coaches with clear, actionable insights aligned to the club’s playing philosophy and game model. The role requires an analyst who thrives in a high‑performance environment, demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills, and is passionate about applying modern analysis tools to enhance player progression towards first‑team football.
Responsibilities
- Lead all performance analysis activity for the U21 age group, including filming, coding, live analysis, post‑match review, and database management.
- Capture, analyse, and present training and match footage using Hudl Sportscode and other relevant performance analysis tools.
- Deliver high‑quality video and data feedback to players and coaches to support individual development plans and positional learning objectives.
- Conduct detailed opposition analysis, producing concise tactical insights to support match preparation and game plan execution.
- Maintain and develop individual player performance databases, benchmarking progress against Academy and first‑team performance indicators.
- Manage the U21 video library and contribute to best‑practice resources to support coach education and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Share relevant video and data content with players, coaching staff, and wider Academy stakeholders through appropriate platforms.
- Work closely with coaches, analysts, sports science, and medical staff to ensure alignment with the club’s Academy philosophy and performance framework.
- Support alignment between the U21s, U18s, and First Team analysis processes to ensure consistency across the player pathway.
- Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
- Uphold and promote the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- BSc (and ideally MSc) in Performance Analysis, Sports Science, Coaching, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 2–3 years’ experience working within a professional or elite football environment.
- High‑level proficiency with the Hudl Pro Suite (Sportscode, Studio, Hudl, iCoda).
- Strong understanding of performance analysis workflows, video editing, and feedback delivery.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Apple Keynote/PowerPoint equivalents.
- Experience using scouting and opposition analysis platforms such as Wyscout.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- UEFA C Licence or equivalent coaching qualification.
- Previous experience working within a Category 1 Academy or U21/PL2 environment.
- Competency in data analysis, programming, or applied data science tools.
- Experience using data visualisation software such as Tableau or Power BI.
- Experience working with or supporting first‑team analysis processes.
Benefits
- Complimentary match day ticket
- Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
- Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
- 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
- Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
- Volunteering Day – 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
- Travel Season Ticket loan
Our commitment to Equality
At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club’s activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability‑related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability‑related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.
Safeguarding
Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst employer: Complementary Training
Contact Detail:
Complementary Training Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football industry, especially those connected to Crystal Palace. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your performance analysis work. Include videos, data insights, and any cool projects you've done. This will give you an edge when you’re chatting with potential employers or during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s philosophy and recent performances. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your answers to show you understand their vision and how you can contribute to the U21s’ success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Crystal Palace family. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for football and performance analysis shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our club's values and commitment to excellence.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in performance analysis, especially within a football context. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their skills with tools like Hudl and data visualisation software.
Be Clear and Concise: In your cover letter, get straight to the point. We appreciate clarity, so outline your key achievements and how they relate to the role of Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst without waffling on.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Complementary Training
✨Know Your Analysis Tools
Make sure you're well-versed in the Hudl Pro Suite and any other performance analysis tools mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with how to film, code, and present match footage effectively. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in high-performance environments. Highlight your communication skills and how you've successfully collaborated with coaches and players to enhance their development.
✨Understand the Club's Philosophy
Research Crystal Palace Football Club’s playing philosophy and game model. Be ready to discuss how your approach to performance analysis aligns with their values and how you can contribute to the transition from Academy football to the professional game. This shows your commitment and understanding of the club's culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-time situations. Think about how you would conduct opposition analysis or deliver feedback to players and coaches. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.