At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse opponents and provide tactical insights to enhance team performance.
- Company: Join Leeds United, a club driven by passion and pride.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and exciting benefits await you.
- Other info: Supportive environment focused on your development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the team's success with your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: 3 years in professional football analysis and strong knowledge of Premier League.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Location - Thorp Arch Training Ground, LS23
Closing Date - 20th May 2026
Due to the expected level of interest, applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early.
Join the Team Behind the Team
At Leeds United, we know that success on the pitch starts with strength behind the scenes. The First Team Opposition Analyst will play a key role in supporting the club’s tactical preparation and performance planning. The role focuses on analysing upcoming opponents, delivering insights to the coaching and analysis team, and assisting in both matchday and post‑match analysis using telestration tools and video analysis to support tactical planning and game plan creation.
What You’ll Be Doing
The position requires working closely with 1st team coaches, analysts, and the data department to provide actionable intelligence that informs first team strategy and performance and support tactical planning and game plan creation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Opposition Analysis
- Play a central role in the department’s first team opposition analysis process.
- Deliver high-quality tactical insights using video analysis and telestration tools to support game plan creation.
- Work closely with other first team analysts to monitor tactical trends, innovations, and best practice.
- Attend all first team fixtures.
- Pre-Match
- Lead the preparation of opposition analysis, presenting findings to the first team coaching staff.
- Collaborate with the club’s data department to assess opposition strengths, weaknesses, and playing styles.
- Contribute to tactical planning and match strategy sessions.
- Match Day
- Perform live coding of match events and provide real‑time feedback to the coaching team.
- Prepare half‑time reports and visual aids to support in‑game coaching decisions.
- Post-Match
- Lead the preparation of post‑match content, including tactical and performance reviews.
- Create and maintain databases to analyse trends, opposition patterns, and playing philosophies.
- Assist the wider performance analysis team with ad‑hoc projects and analysis requests under the direction of the Lead First Team Analyst.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone proactive, personable, and who thrives in a busy environment. You’ll be a key point of contact within the MDT, so building trust, staying organised, and maintaining confidentiality are all essential. You’ll have:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working in a first team environment in professional football.
- Strong knowledge of Premier League football, including physical demands, tactical variability, and league‑specific trends.
- Experience working in the Premier League is desirable but not essential – other leagues will be considered.
- Strong proficiency with industry‑leading analysis software (e.g., Sportscode, Wyscout) and telestration tools (e.g., Studio).
- Experience working with dashboards, datasets, and performance metrics.
- Ability to translate complex data and video into clear, actionable insights for coaches and players.
- Strong proficiency with Mac software for video presentation and reporting (e.g., Keynote, PowerPoint).
- Undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree in Performance Analysis, Sport Science, or a related subject.
- UEFA B Coaching License or working towards it.
Why Should You Join Leeds United?
Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive people team where your voice is valued and your development matters. In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting benefits. If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a club that’s as committed to its people as it is to performance, we would love to see your application.
First Team Opposition Analyst in Thorp Arch employer: Leeds United
At Leeds United, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where every team member plays a vital role in our success. As a First Team Opposition Analyst, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, and a culture that prioritises personal development and collaboration. Join us at Thorp Arch Training Ground, where your insights will directly influence our tactical strategies and contribute to the club's ongoing commitment to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Team Opposition Analyst in Thorp Arch
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club inside out! Research Leeds United's recent matches, tactics, and player performances. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former analysts at Leeds United on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-analysis of a recent match, using video clips and insights. Present it during your interview to demonstrate your analytical prowess and creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team behind the team!
We think you need these skills to ace First Team Opposition Analyst in Thorp Arch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to familiarise yourself with Leeds United and our values. Understanding our culture and what we stand for will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with the team.
Show Off Your Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with analysis software and your knowledge of football tactics. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've used these skills in previous roles, especially in a first team environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on delivering your insights in a way that's easy to understand. Remember, you're trying to impress us with your ability to communicate complex ideas simply!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Given the expected interest, we might close applications earlier than the deadline. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds United
✨Know Your Opponents
Before the interview, dive deep into the teams Leeds United will be facing. Familiarise yourself with their playing styles, strengths, and weaknesses. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Tools
Be prepared to discuss your experience with analysis software and telestration tools. Bring examples of how you've used these in past roles to create actionable insights. If possible, have a portfolio ready to showcase your work, as this can really set you apart.
✨Engage with the Team
Since you'll be working closely with coaches and analysts, highlight your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've built trust and collaborated effectively in previous roles. This will reassure them that you're not just a data person, but a team player too.
✨Prepare for Real-Time Scenarios
Expect questions about how you'd handle matchday situations. Think through scenarios where you might need to provide real-time feedback or adapt your analysis on the fly. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
