At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research on football player performance and support elite training programmes.
- Company: Birmingham City Football Club in partnership with the University of Birmingham.
- Benefits: Fully funded MRes studentship covering tuition fees and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal development and career growth in a professional football setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in elite football performance science.
- Qualifications: BSc in Sports Science or related field; experience in performance environments is a plus.
Birmingham City Football Club (BCFC), in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, is pleased to offer a fully funded MRes studentship in applied performance science within an elite football environment. This opportunity combines postgraduate research with hands-on applied experience, supporting the delivery of the performance science programme at Birmingham City FC. Applied duties will be primarily undertaken with the Men's First Team squad, with research also potentially involving Academy Professional Development Phase (PDP) players. The studentship is funded for one academic year, subject to satisfactory performance in both the MRes programme and the applied role. UK home rate tuition fees (£5,500) will be fully covered.
Role Overview
The purpose of this role is to deliver high quality applied research that supports the optimisation of monitoring and performance provision for elite football players. The findings will contribute to the development of an evidence-based, data-informed performance programme within professional football.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, conduct, and complete an MRes research programme focused on the invisible monitoring of football players across varying microcycle structures
- Engage in a structured personal development programme aligned with the competencies required to deliver elite performance support in professional football
- Assist in the delivery of the BCFC performance science system, including:
- Performance testing
- Data collection, management, and administration
- Delivery of performance development sessions
- Attend selected training sessions, matches, and training camps where required
- Fulfil all academic, professional, and personal requirements associated with the role of a trainee practitioner within an elite football environment
The Candidate Knowledge & Experience
- Strong theoretical understanding, evidenced by a good academic record
- Background in sports science, strength and conditioning, or a related discipline
- Practical experience working with athletes in a performance environment
- Experience within professional or academy football is highly desirable
Education & Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, or a related field (essential)
Personal Attributes
- Strong work ethic with excellent interpersonal skills
- Adaptable and resilient, with a positive approach to challenge
- Excellent time management skills to balance applied and academic demands
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Self-motivated and committed to high professional standards
- Passionate about delivering high quality performance support in elite football
Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
BCFC is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all sectors of the community and assess candidates solely on merit. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the recruitment or interview process upon request. BCFC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safeguarding training and undergo the relevant background checks.
MRes Studentship employer: Job Search Place Limited
Birmingham City Football Club, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring sports scientists through a fully funded MRes studentship. This role not only provides hands-on experience within an elite football environment but also fosters a culture of personal and professional growth, ensuring that candidates are well-equipped to contribute to high-performance sports science. With a commitment to equality and safeguarding, BCFC is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where every individual can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MRes Studentship
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Leagues
Dive into the local sports scene! Volunteer at nearby sporting events or join community leagues to meet the right people. Networking in this way can help us score that internship with Job Search Place Limited and get ahead of the competition.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Keep an eye out for sports management conferences or workshops in your area. These are perfect for us to connect with industry professionals, learn the latest trends, and potentially meet recruiters from organisations like Job Search Place Limited looking for interns!
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t forget about your university’s career services! They often have exclusive connections with local sports organisations and can guide us to internship opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. Make sure to tap into these resources.
✨Show Off Your Passion on Social Media
It's all about visibility! Create a social media presence that showcases your love for sports and management. Share articles, thoughts on industry trends, and engage with posts from organisations like Job Search Place Limited. This can put you on their radar before you even apply!
We think you need these skills to ace MRes Studentship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your love for sports shine through! Talk about your experiences in sports – whether it’s playing for a team, volunteering at local events, or even organising sports activities. We want to see that you live and breathe the field you're applying to, especially in a role like MRes Studentship at Job Search Place Limited.
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects:For this internship, make sure to mention any relevant coursework or projects in sports management or recreation. Did you do a project on event planning? Or maybe you conducted research on sports psychology? Highlighting these experiences will show us that you're ready to jump in and learn more on the job.
Use Keywords from the Job Description:Tailor your CV to fit the role by using keywords from the job description. Look out for specific skills or qualities they're looking for and weave them into your CV. If they mention teamwork, leadership, or event organisation, make sure those shine through in your application. We appreciate candidates who pay attention to these details!
Keep It Informal and Engaging:Since we're all about fostering a friendly environment at Job Search Place Limited, let your personality come across in your writing. Don’t be afraid to be conversational in your cover letter while still showcasing your enthusiasm for the role. We're looking for interns who can bring positive energy to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Sports
Make sure to communicate your enthusiasm for sports and recreation during the interview. Share experiences from playing a sport, managing a team, or even volunteering at events. We want to see that you’re genuinely invested in the industry, not just looking for any internship.
✨Brush Up on Event Management Skills
Since sports-recreation management often revolves around organising events, be ready to discuss your organisational skills. Think about experiences where you coordinated activities or worked in team settings, and prepare to share these stories. We might dive into how you would handle specific scenarios, such as organising a tournament or community event.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Agility
Internships are all about learning, so show us your eagerness to pick up new skills and adapt. Prepare to talk about times when you had to quickly learn something new or adapt to unexpected changes. We love candidates who are willing to grow and take feedback on board.
✨Bring a Portfolio of Your Work
Even as an intern, having a portfolio can set you apart! Put together any projects, reports, or presentations related to sports management that you’ve worked on. Visuals can really help convey your understanding and creativity in the field, and we’ll appreciate seeing what you can bring to Job Search Place Limited.
