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- Tasks: Lead performance analysis for U21 players, enhancing their transition to professional football.
- Company: Join the historic Crystal Palace FC, a Premier League club with a strong culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy match day tickets, health benefits, discounts, and a volunteering day off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' careers in a high-performance environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Performance Analysis or related field; 2-3 years in elite football.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic sports setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst role at Crystal Palace FC.
Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
Contract Type: Full-time
Deadline: 18th January 2026
Overview
We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of history. We operate across three sites — Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy — offering a strong culture for fans and employees. We strive for excellence with high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.
About this role:
As the Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst, you will deliver and drive all performance analysis processes for the U21 age group, across pre-match, live, and post-match phases. The role supports the transition from Academy football to the professional game and contributes to the technical, tactical, and decision-making development of players, providing coaches with clear, actionable insights aligned to the club’s playing philosophy and game model. You will lead the analysis provision for the U21s, supporting player progression towards first-team football.
You will thrive in a high-performance environment, demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills, and applying modern analysis tools to enhance player progression.
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 as required by the line manager.
- Uphold and promote the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities.
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 in 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.
Desirable
- UEFA C Licence or equivalent coaching qualification.
- Experience in a Category 1 Academy or U21/PL2 environment.
- Competency in data analysis, programming, or applied data science tools.
- Experience using data visualization 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
- Holiday allowance: 25 Days
Equality and Safeguarding
Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and promoting equal opportunities for all employees. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us.
Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people. The post holder will be required to undergo relevant security checks, including a DBS check where applicable.
Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst in London employer: Crystal Palace FC
Contact Detail:
Crystal Palace FC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Crystal Palace FC on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the club culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your performance analysis work, especially using tools like Hudl. This will help us stand out during interviews and demonstrate our expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help us nail our responses. Focus on how we can contribute to the U21s and align with the club’s philosophy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the Crystal Palace family.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your proficiency with performance analysis tools like Hudl.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for football and how your background in performance analysis can contribute to the development of players at Crystal Palace FC.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities in previous roles; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how your analysis has positively impacted player performance or team strategy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out to our hiring team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crystal Palace FC
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the Hudl Pro Suite and any other performance analysis tools mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles, as well as any innovative ways you might apply them to enhance player performance.
✨Showcase Your Analysis Skills
Prepare to present a sample analysis or case study from your past experience. This could involve discussing a specific match or training session where your insights led to tangible improvements. Highlight your ability to deliver clear, actionable feedback to both players and coaches.
✨Understand the Club's Philosophy
Research Crystal Palace FC’s playing philosophy and recent performance trends. Be prepared to discuss how your approach to performance analysis aligns with their goals, especially in supporting the transition from Academy to first-team football.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Communication
As a Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst, strong leadership and communication skills are crucial. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or collaborated with coaches and analysts. Be ready to explain how you would foster a positive environment for player development.
