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- Tasks: Conduct research and enhance performance coaching for youth footballers at Crystal Palace FC.
- Company: Join the prestigious Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League team with a rich history.
- Benefits: Master's tuition fees covered, hands-on experience, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football while developing your skills as a coach or sport scientist.
- Qualifications: 2:1 or higher in a relevant discipline and experience in coaching or athletic development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
Contract Type: Student Placement
Period: August 2026 to June 2027
Deadline: 19th April 2026
About Crystal Palace Football Club
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.
About this placement
- Full-time Masters by Research enrolment with student placement.
- 12 – 18 hours per week – some evening and weekend attendance required.
- Master’s tuition fees paid by Crystal Palace at UK rate.
- Start date: 1st August 2026
The primary research location will be at Crystal Palace Football Club Academy (BR31NZ) or 1st team training grounds (BR3 1RJ). Crystal Palace Football Club (1st Team and Academy) are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals who are looking to undertake a Masters by Research to enhance the performance department services whilst developing themselves as a performance coach or sport scientist. This is the ideal studentship for someone who is looking to enhance their industry relevant research skills alongside ability as a coach or sport scientist. The role will be highly challenging and rewarding and give the candidate a great insight into what a full-time role within Academy or 1st team football looks like.
Learning Opportunities
- Develop applied research, writing and data analysis skills that inform innovation in practice.
- Develop experience in delivery of pitch and gym-based sessions to U9 – U16 teams and assisting with U18 – U21 sessions.
- Learn to create and interpret GPS reports with the Professional Development Phase players.
- Collate data using wellbeing questionnaires and RPEs to create subjective training reports and gain experience presenting daily to coaching staff.
- Experience conducting a range of physical tests in line with Premier League requirements as well as additional testing.
- Develop experience in creating session plans to be delivered to U9 – U16 groups and reviewing these with staff.
- Take part in regular internal and external CPD as well as completing a Coaching Competency Framework that allows development of key areas of coaching which are essential to progress within the Academy performance department.
How to apply
As part of your application here, please attach a research proposal that should not exceed 1,000 words (PDF format).
Research Proposal Guidance
Please consider and choose one of the following project areas and associated reading. Develop a 1000-word research proposal, that includes an abstract, review of literature, identification of clear research questions and research methods to answer the intended research question.
Requirements
- 2:1 or higher in a relevant discipline.
- Interest in researching a topic within Academy football.
- Experience of delivering athletic development sessions to youth athletes.
- Experience of coaching or playing football.
- Experience or willingness to learn data analysis environments (e.g., R Studio, Power BI).
- A willingness to learn in an environment which is full of challenges.
- International students require IELTS 7.0, with a score no lower than 6.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification, at the point of application.
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. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates.
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.
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.
MSc by Research: Men’s Academy Performance Coach/ First Team Sport Scientist employer: Crystal Palace FC
Contact Detail:
Crystal Palace FC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MSc by Research: Men’s Academy Performance Coach/ First Team Sport Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get in touch with current or former employees at Crystal Palace Football Club. LinkedIn is your best mate here. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the club's recent performance and any changes in their coaching staff. Show us that you're not just passionate about football, but also about the club's journey and future!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Men's Academy Performance Coach. We want to see your enthusiasm and how you can contribute to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Crystal Palace family.
We think you need these skills to ace MSc by Research: Men’s Academy Performance Coach/ First Team Sport Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand Crystal Palace Football Club and what we stand for. Familiarise yourself with our values and culture, as this will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Craft Your Research Proposal: Your research proposal is key! Make sure it’s well-structured and includes all the necessary components like an abstract, literature review, and clear research questions. Don’t forget to keep it within the 1,000-word limit and in PDF format!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through in your application. Whether it's your love for football or your commitment to performance coaching, make sure we can feel your passion for the role and the impact you want to make at the Academy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crystal Palace FC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest research and trends in sports science, especially as they relate to football. Familiarise yourself with the specific topics mentioned in the job description, like GPS tracking and physical testing. This will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous coaching or athletic development experiences. Prepare examples of how you've delivered sessions to youth athletes or any relevant projects you've worked on. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and commitment to developing young talent.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the club’s approach to performance coaching and how they integrate research into practice. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role but also in contributing to the club's success.
✨Practice Your Research Proposal
Since a research proposal is part of your application, be prepared to discuss it in detail. Know your abstract inside out, and be ready to explain your research questions and methods clearly. This will highlight your analytical skills and readiness for the academic side of the role.