Academy Data Analyst in Sheffield

Sheffield United are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Data Analyst to support the monitoring, analysis, and optimisation of academy players' physical development. Working across the Professional and Youth Development phases, this role will involve the collection and interpretation of key physical output data – primarily GPS-based – to inform performance programming, return-to-play strategies, and load management. The successful candidate will ultimately play a critical role in delivering data-driven insights that enhance player development and competitive performance.

Role Responsibilities

• Work as part of an inter-disciplinary elite performance team that includes physiotherapists, performance coaches, nutritionists, and medics to optimise player physical development; to run faster, more effectively and more frequently than the opposition.
• Record, collate and analyse sources of physical output data derived from GPS, force-time, and technical tracking technology.
• Utilise data management packages such as Power BI to increase data impact, engagement, understanding across key stakeholders.
• Utilising data analysis and visualisation techniques to provide key stakeholders with recommendations regarding player physical development programming.
• Take responsibility for upkeep of the data security relating to the physical outputs of academy players.
• Manage pitch side GPS tracking during games and training sessions within the Pro-Development and Youth Development phases.
• Support research studies, led by the Academy Data Analyst, within the area of physical data analysis to provide novel insights into player physical development and performance.
• Attend any briefings, seminars, workshops or courses as required by the Club, Academy Manager or Head of Elite Performance.
• Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.

Club Wide Responsibilities

• Adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
• Report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
• Report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
• Adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
• Carry out and actively participate in all training requests as directed by the Club, including mandatory health and safety training, emergency procedures, fire safety, manual handling, safeguarding, and role-specific safety instruction.

Essential Criteria for the Role

• Hold an undergraduate degree in any of the following disciplines: Sport and Exercise Science, Performance Analysis, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematics, or similar relevant subject area.
• Proficient in the use of data management and analytics packages including Excel, Power BI, etc.
• An understanding of methods of statistical analysis.
• A desire to maximise physical development and performance through the analysis and application of objective data.
• Routinely work weekends and evenings as required to support the academy programme.
• Experience of working within a professional / elite sporting environment.
• This role requires the successful candidate to complete an Enhanced DBS check upon offer acceptance.
• Completion of FA Safeguarding Children.

Desirable Criteria for the Role

• Hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant subject area.
• Previous experience of using Catapult GPS tracking technology and interpretation of associated data.
• Experience of working within academy football.
• Experience / understanding of measures of force expression e.g., force plates.
• Proficient in the use of advanced data analysis languages and packages including R Studio, SQL, and Python.

Eligibility for Employment in the UK

In accordance with current legislative requirements the successful applicant must produce documentary verification of their eligibility to work in the UK and will not be allowed to start work until this has been received.