Role Purpose

The Academy Analyst is responsible for delivering and developing the Academy Performance Analysis programme to ensure a first-class player experience that supports coaches to impact player performance & help create independent learners with the analytical skills needed for continuous development in the Under 9-16 age groups and assisting the Academy Performance Analysis Programme in the professional development phase.

Department: Academy       

Contract: Full-time               

Salary: To be discussed 

Location: Thorp Arch     

Responsible to: Lead Academy Analyst 

Hours: This role requires regular evening and weekend work 

Key Responsibilities 

·       Implementation of the Academy Performance Analysis Programme, ensuring alignment in the Foundation Phase and Youth Development with the club wide analysis philosophy

·       Provide match day analysis for games across all phases when required, with a focus on the Youth Development Phase

·       Filming and analysis of training sessions

·       Co-ordinate a best-practise library showcasing key metrics within the academy

·       Work with the coaching team to provide metrics which enable the Academy playing philosophy to be measured and optimised

·       Linking with local Universities to support the departments’ placement students

·       Liaise with staff from other departments on the development of each player as part of the 6-12 weekly multidisciplinary review process 

·       Contribute to the Academy internal CPD programme and engage in all external CPD as required by your role

Operational Function

·       Working autonomously to an agreed level and in the best interests of the Academy

·       Forging positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to benefit the Academy 

·       Being visible to all internal and external stakeholders and supporting key staff when liaising with parents at critical moments 

·       Championing all Club and Academy policy through ensuring best practice in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety and equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the coaching department 

·       Living the values of the Club and championing our culture to help deliver the Academy performance plan and ultimately the vision of the Academy and the Club

Personal Development Responsibilities

·       Championing innovative and emerging best practice through accessing internal and external sources of expertise to help contribute to ongoing personal development and the overall Academy programme

·       Engaging in the Academy staff development programme and attending all CPD events 

·       Participating in all external CPD to ensure compliance with PL, EFL and NGB standards 

Qualifications

Essential:

-       Undergraduate level education in Performance Analysis, Sports Science, Sports Coaching or similar

-       Safeguarding children certificate 

-       DBS check with children’s barred list check

-       FA Level 1 Coaching Award

-       UK Driving License

Desirable:

-       Postgraduate level education in Performance Analysis, Sports Science, Sports Coaching or similar

-       FA Level 2 Coaching Award

Experience

Essential:

-       A minimum of 1 years’ experience working in analysis (placement or FT)

-       Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team to support player development

-       Experience of using coding software (e.g Sportscode)

Desirable:

-       Experience of working in a football Academy 

-       Experience using telestrations tools

-       Experience working with datasets and building workflows

-       Experience operating sports camera masts

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge:

·       Understands the current Academy system and professional football culture and landscape  

·       Possesses an applied knowledge of EPPP standards and working practices  

·       Understands how a long-term, holistic development programme is structured 

·       Understands the function of each facet in a multi-disciplinary team in an Academy 

·       Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of health and safety policy and best practice 

·       Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of safeguarding policy and best practice 

·       Possesses a strong awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion

Skills

·       Creates positive learning environments

·       Plans and delivers challenging, age-appropriate activities 

·       Identifies and responds to the needs of the players by adapting their practice accordingly 

·       Uses accurate and age-appropriate content 

·       Communicates using a variety of methods and using an age-appropriate vocabulary 

·       Able to justify and reflect on their practice and beliefs 

·       Builds positive relationships with the players, staff and all stakeholders 

·       Demonstrates outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills 

·       Competent with modern technologies that support the performance of their duties 

·       Competent user of the performance management application (PMA) 

Characteristics:

·       Inspires others and is a positive role model 

·       Is personable and able to connect and build relationships with others easily 

·       Demands high standards and has an attention to detail 

·       Shares the vision and values of the Academy and is motivated to achieve its objectives

·       Aligns with the Academy playing and coaching philosophy 

·       Takes a long-term view of player development and align with the Academy approach to winning

·       Possesses a passion for talent development and are motivated to work with young players 

·       Able to work in a high-profile environment with regular media coverage and public interest 

·       Is responsible and acts in the best interests of the Academy 

·       Is open minded, innovative and willing to explore new ideas/concepts 

·       Enjoys facing challenges and have the resilience and resourcefulness to see complex tasks through 

·       Is proactive and able to identify and mitigate risks

·       Is a collaborator and relishes the opportunity to work alongside others to overcome challenges and achieve goals

·       Willing to share their knowledge experience as part of a community of practice 

·       Able to work with players, staff and other stakeholders of varying ages, experience, backgrounds and cultures 

·       Committed to personal development and continuous improvement 

·       Possesses a strong work ethic and are motivated to be the best they can be

·       Able to promote the positive image of the Academy and the Club

Safeguarding Statement 

Leeds United is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups. Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013). Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references. 

Equality Statement 

Leeds United is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief(s), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or with regards to pregnancy or maternity. 

Application Process 

All applicants must complete the application form linked below.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=bDTJQSibREm_WfDFM6CZJFeOb6qpbh5Mr_TJJDqU1WRUQjZNQUpMNDgyUDk2TUVYSktWRFVQQzhLOS4u