tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post329981294655124547..comments2024-01-30T09:53:00.962+00:00Comments on All Things Football - an analytical look at the beautiful game: An Aspiring Performance Analyst's JourneyDave Willoughbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-81627315568992149192023-12-05T23:32:40.374+00:002023-12-05T23:32:40.374+00:003 yrs later, I'm doing an MSc Sport Performanc...3 yrs later, I'm doing an MSc Sport Performance Analysis program.Chijioke Ochubilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12200355027647719438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-54557132999736099082020-02-25T22:50:29.617+00:002020-02-25T22:50:29.617+00:00https://hub-soccer.com/courses/soccer-analyst-leve...https://hub-soccer.com/courses/soccer-analyst-level-1-game-analysis-vo-certification/<br /><br />That's the course I'm about to enrol for. It's a start but is it worthy enough? Chijioke Ochubilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12200355027647719438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-85373797187488780622020-02-25T22:46:40.678+00:002020-02-25T22:46:40.678+00:00Hi Dave. Lovely piece. I stay in a country where M...Hi Dave. Lovely piece. I stay in a country where Match/Performance analysis isn't taken serious (anything sport isn't taken serious really 😒). I have passion football a lot and I'm considering diverting from Civil Engineering to Match analysis.<br /><br />Based on the country I come from (Nigeria to be precise), I really don't know where to start. I'm considering enrolling for an online course at Soccer Hub relating to match analysis. Peter Krawvetz at Liverpool is my idol & he's the one I look up to at times.<br /><br />I just need an advice on the whole thing. I don't have any starting degree for this (I have a degree in Civil Engineering) and finding affordable schools offering Match/Performance Analysis, abroad are quite hard to come by.<br /><br />I just need an advice on where to start, any recommendations for schools and any other info you can share. Thank you.Chijioke Ochubilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12200355027647719438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-63999199169497942172020-02-25T22:45:48.477+00:002020-02-25T22:45:48.477+00:00This comment has been removed by the author.Chijioke Ochubilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12200355027647719438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-68218409058691680212019-02-27T14:36:53.065+00:002019-02-27T14:36:53.065+00:00Hello from the biscuit boyHello from the biscuit boyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-43736335682926432792016-10-24T14:45:05.139+01:002016-10-24T14:45:05.139+01:00Hi Sophie
To be honest things have moved on quite ...Hi Sophie<br />To be honest things have moved on quite a way since I initially started doing my own analysis in Excel. While it's still an incredibly useful tool I was using it for notational purposes and then to design a few charts/graphs. These days you can use things like Dartfish Easytag (free to download on ipad/iphone) to do notation and sites such as Sqwuaka and WhoScored have a wealth of already available information, so Excel is more useful for actually analysing the data where before I was using it to collect it.<br />I would recommend reading this by Rob Carroll (The Video Analyst) if you haven't already as it gives a very good insight into what it's like being a Performance Analyst and trying to get a job in the industry (http://thevideoanalyst.com/want-performance-analyst/)<br /><br />Cheers!<br />DaveDave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-1976849506627723082016-10-23T22:01:03.282+01:002016-10-23T22:01:03.282+01:00Hi Dave,
I am considering career options after gr...Hi Dave, <br />I am considering career options after graduating with a maths degree but my main passion in life is football. Performance analysis appeals to me, i was wondering if you could provide more details as to how you analysed games just using excel. I would like to try it out of curiosity and see whether this is something that i want to pursue.<br />Thanks, <br />SophieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-19000692686465983082015-03-23T10:25:34.547+00:002015-03-23T10:25:34.547+00:00Hi Joel
Other direct Performance Analysis courses...Hi Joel<br /><br />Other direct Performance Analysis courses are quite limited (other than those offered by Unis). Crucial to know as well that Prozone focus specifically on how to use their tech rather than how to be a performance analyst. I know of a course offered by Lear Sports (http://www.learsports.com/#!copy-of-sport-performance/c4zn) but I haven't been on it so can't speak to it's value. You could also try things like Coursera - an online university which offers courses in things like Statistics which will be very useful in the future for things like Technical Analysts. We use out own bespoke software but it's good to be up to speed on things like Sportscode which is used heavily in clubs - if you haven't seen it before try LongoMatch which is similar style tagging software but is free to download. It's also useful to be very good with Excel - the main thing to remember is that it is your skills as an analyst which are key rather than what you have been taught in most cases, try developing your own reports and video feedback on a game as an example.Dave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-87593793896250740312015-03-21T16:57:42.564+00:002015-03-21T16:57:42.564+00:00Hi Dave,
Just wanted to know that other than Proz...Hi Dave,<br /><br />Just wanted to know that other than Prozone, what are the other courses that can be done to take a step into performance analysis? Also, what are latest softwares that you guys use?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12464128671581107305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-37577325906661982222014-11-27T10:39:31.303+00:002014-11-27T10:39:31.303+00:00Hi Dale
At the minute without doubt it is almost ...Hi Dale<br /><br />At the minute without doubt it is almost essential to do a degree related to some kind of Sports path if you want to be a performance analyst. I'm hoping in future this will change slightly, as the degrees currently on offer rarely fit what an analyst will do on a day to day basis and often focus on other areas of sports such as physiology, coaching etc etc rather than PA. If you are definitely set on this being your career path there are some performance analysis specific courses which you would be better looking at, Cardiff for example do one and I'm sure a few other places.<br /><br />In future clubs will start looking for other things, such as Statistics qualifications, economics, programming etc, many American sports already employ analysts with these skills and it will become more prevalent in England in future. At the minute an analyst tends to do more video clipping than they do actual performance work - but I suppose that depends on your definition of performance!<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to read my blog<br /><br />Cheers<br />DaveDave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-44649987756603712442014-11-19T17:31:18.411+00:002014-11-19T17:31:18.411+00:00Hi, firstly I would like to thank you for taking t...Hi, firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to compile this report. Not many Analysts take the time to go into their path into the role like the way you have done in detail. I am 19 and I was planning to go to University next September to partake in a sports course that has performance analyst modules. However I recognise although degrees are sought after it doesn't always pay off and you are left off with a debt of £27,000+ and no job. I am hungry to do this and I'm not too concerned about the debt, however I wanted to ask from someone who has made it, is this the most beneficial route into PA? I know you mentioned that you had trouble at the beginning of your journey.<br /><br />Thanks again, I would really appreciate it if you could get back to me. <br /><br />Kind Regards, <br />Dale Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11708778502475622114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-49514372537254063192014-10-17T10:59:24.488+01:002014-10-17T10:59:24.488+01:00Depends on the club - with so many clubs having in...Depends on the club - with so many clubs having interns these tend to end at the end of one season and they take new ones on for the start of the new season.<br /><br />Other than that it could be setting up new systems, making sure everything is in place for the new season, scouting, working with the manager on potential transfers - depends on the individual club. Some of the Premier League clubs are likely to work around the major International tournaments for example when they happen.<br /><br />For a good example at lower level Mike Haines is the analyst at Fleetwood and he has a very interesting blog which is worth a read (http://mikehainesperformance.wordpress.com)Dave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-32951058893553738762014-10-16T18:15:44.223+01:002014-10-16T18:15:44.223+01:00One more question! What do PA's do during the ...One more question! What do PA's do during the off season? Is it a case of not a lot, or analysing potential signings ect?<br />CheersAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05678517699036740678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-30796178468999177762014-10-16T17:57:21.439+01:002014-10-16T17:57:21.439+01:00Thanks for your reply Dave... I will have to try a...Thanks for your reply Dave... I will have to try and make a good impression in my time on the internship in a hope to get offered something after, even though I'm not sure they are looking at employing anyone else afterwards!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05678517699036740678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-67089607601404910732014-10-16T13:15:30.800+01:002014-10-16T13:15:30.800+01:00Hi Alex
Thanks for your comments.
Personally I d...Hi Alex<br /><br />Thanks for your comments.<br /><br />Personally I don't consider coaching qualification to be a must - I think they are useful and this is some crossover to a certain level but unless you have a major interest in coaching the 2 disciplines split after around Level 2 and you should specialise in whichever field you prefer. While you need to have a good understanding of how what you provide as a PA can be used by the coaching team, it is unlikely to be your job to specify how to improve in these areas.<br /><br />This all depends on the clubs and person hiring though - some look for different qualifications and many clubs don't REALLY know what they are looking for. For example many want a person with a Sports Science degree but is this necessary when all that is covered in terms of PA is usually 1 optional module? I think that's probably best for another discussion!!<br /><br />Again, in terms of analysts, just in my experience:-<br /><br />Prem - between 4 - 12 (mix of FT/PT and 1st Team/Academy)<br />Champ - Between 2-5 (mix of FT/PT/Interns & 1st Team/Academy)<br />L1 - Between 0-3 (usually 1 FT + Interns - again split)<br />L2 - Between 0-2 (usually 1 FT or PT may cover both with an intern)<br /><br />These are estimates and will depend on the management structure and how much emphasis they put on PA along with the budget<br /><br />The problem is that while PA is certainly growing in clubs, the number or potentially employees being spit out by universities from degree programmes FAR outweighs this by probably 100's to 1.<br /><br />Thanks again for reading and best of luck!<br /><br />Cheers<br />DaveDave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-72137596387503875032014-10-15T17:27:47.820+01:002014-10-15T17:27:47.820+01:00Hi Dave, fantastic read!
I'm currently comple...Hi Dave, fantastic read!<br /><br />I'm currently completing the 3rd year of a sports science degree, and also working an internship alongside the performance analyst at York City, (working with both the first team and academy teams).<br /><br />I was just wondering whether you consider coaching qualifications to be a must, and if so to what level?<br /><br />Also, in your experience, how many performance analysts would you say are employed by a club? (Obviously it will vary depending on the level and budget of the club, but for say league 2 - league 1, and champ-prem)?<br /><br />Cheers, Alex<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-88525700363112831182013-12-04T19:47:48.042+00:002013-12-04T19:47:48.042+00:00Hi Tom
Glad you liked the blog. Hopefully provid...Hi Tom<br /> <br />Glad you liked the blog. Hopefully provides an insight into what the industry holds for many people!<br /> <br />I’m unsure on the exact pay that analysts get, many posts start as internships offering only expenses, the next step up seems to be in the region of £14k - £18k. For a full time analyst for the first team it seems to be between £18k-£22k and for a head of analysis or someone in a position of more responsibility you’re looking along the lines of anything up to about £35k.<br /> <br />This is all speculation though!! All this is just from what I have picked up, most clubs tend not to directly advertise jobs and very rarely give the salary details.<br /> <br />One thing I will say, if you’re looking into getting into the industry purely for a high paying job – look elsewhere! There are plenty of fields that require similar skill sets where the pay is higher and the hours are less!!<br /> <br />The Prozone courses are pretty expensive but they are high quality. Just don’t think that by completing these you’ll walk straight into a job!! The courses are more around the intricacies of the system and while they do cover some basics of Performance Analysis it’s important to have some knowledge before you attend to get the most out of them!<br /> <br />Hope this has been helpful!!<br /><br />Thanks<br />DaveDave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-88644513260368349412013-11-29T14:47:11.871+00:002013-11-29T14:47:11.871+00:00Hi Dave
Great article, very insightful. Performa...Hi Dave<br /><br />Great article, very insightful. Performance analysis seems to be an industry which is growing at the moment and seems to be something that will continue to grow as clubs attach more emphasis to it. As someone who has a few sport based qualifications (coaching, and a sport management degree) I was wondering what the pay is like for a full time analyst at a top professional club in the premiership/championship? I've seen very few jobs like this advertised and the ones I have noticed have either been internships or unpaid roles which I think is a bit of a cop out considering how much revenue clubs generate and how valuable effective analysis can be! I am considering doing my prozone analysis level 1-3 but am conscious that I shell out a lot of money to do these courses and the paid opportunities are very limited and potentially not very well paid.<br /><br />Thanks <br />Tom Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-52730705084767798602013-10-31T15:01:10.723+00:002013-10-31T15:01:10.723+00:00Hi Kel
Glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately footbal...Hi Kel<br /><br />Glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately football is an extremely hard business to get into no matter the field and is still a lot more about who you know than what you know! Depending on how you mean by getting involved in the industy, unpaid internships are still offered by many clubs (although these are generally focused as placements through the universities) but paid jobs are few and far between. It is possible though, as long as you have the desire and are willing to put in a lot of hard work for seemingly little return in the early days I'm sure you'll get a break!Dave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-34659960333053510032013-10-24T23:07:20.892+01:002013-10-24T23:07:20.892+01:00Hi Dave,
Great read was extremely helpful. I'...Hi Dave,<br /><br />Great read was extremely helpful. I'm currently at university doing a International football business management degree, and football analysis is something I've been interested in getting involved in, how long would you say it would take me to get involved in the industry? <br /><br />Thanks, <br />Kelkelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-35758939287914795142013-07-24T09:55:06.739+01:002013-07-24T09:55:06.739+01:00Thanks Dave, one more quick question where or how ...Thanks Dave, one more quick question where or how do you acquire the matches to analyse like in another blog you stated you downloaded a celta vigo-athletic Bilbao game<br /><br />Cheers LukeLukenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-23406503988668394242013-07-24T08:19:09.228+01:002013-07-24T08:19:09.228+01:00It's just knowing people and making connection...It's just knowing people and making connections. LinkedIn will help a lot but bear in mind if you send 100 emails asking for work experience you might get 99 people who don't respond and 1 who says no!<br /><br />Cheers<br />DaveDave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-59800127930163591912013-07-23T14:52:46.992+01:002013-07-23T14:52:46.992+01:00Thankyou very much Dave you've helped alot, ho...Thankyou very much Dave you've helped alot, how do you acquire all the emails for all the different clubs to send a email asking if there's any chance you can get experience is there a website with them all there or is it just you know people? <br />Thanks LukeLukenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-21202493736386563912013-07-23T08:34:18.962+01:002013-07-23T08:34:18.962+01:00Hi Luke
As you've said the best thing is Link...Hi Luke<br /><br />As you've said the best thing is LinkedIn. If you join and then request a connection with somebody (for example Phil) you can then send him a message through the site.<br />Bear in mind though that they will receive hundreds of similar emails so make yours stand out rather than just asking for a job!<br />Thanks<br />DaveDave Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01620728798544342667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507752758884913033.post-55104102226635045452013-07-22T21:13:55.731+01:002013-07-22T21:13:55.731+01:00Hi Dave,
Thanks alot for that website it looks rea...Hi Dave,<br />Thanks alot for that website it looks really useful especially helping me for the near future. As you mentioned on your blog about Linkedin being an effective way to find contacts, i went on it to find the nearest sports analysis to me at a pro club which would be wolves, i found phil boardman whose the match analyst there but i have no way of contacting him because you need to know the persons email. any help would be much appreciated and if you know any other analyst emails would also be appreciated.<br />thankyou for reading <br />LukeLuke Wrightnoreply@blogger.com