The aim of this placement is to offer an applied learning experience in professional football that compliments the theoretical underpinning of the MSc Sport Performance Analysis Degree at Middlesex University.
Leicester City Football Club will provide sponsorship of the masters course fees at Middlesex University for the 2019/2020 academic year.
Department Supported
First Team Sports Science Department at Leicester City Football Club.
Who We're Looking For
The candidate must have:
- prior knowledge and experience of Sports Science with an understanding of theory related to fitness, strength, recovery and nutrition.
- an undergraduate profile of minimum 2:1 in a Sport Science, Computer Science or Data Science related undergraduate degree.
- An inquisitive nature and willingness to investigate objective sport performance data, holding the ability to use statistical methods in order to question subjective opinions and analyse training/performance.
Due to the nature of professional football, ideally the student would be based within easy commuting distance of the Leicester City Training Ground (LE2 8HN) and be expected to be at the Club three days a week and weekends as needed.
Students must attend MSc lectures on Wednesdays at the London Sport Institute, Middlesex University which is based at Allianz Park, London. The club are happy to discuss the best options with regards to travel arrangements.
About the Role
You will work closely with the Sports Science Department in order to help with the collection, management and analysis of objective sport performance data.
Such data is collected on a daily basis throughout the First Team squad and will include but is not exclusive to; GPS monitoring in training, video tracking in matches, heart rate, strength diagnostics, power profiles and questionnaire feedback.
Under the guidance of the Head of Fitness & Conditioning, you will be given daily duties but also take lead on larger performance data projects.
In order to manage large amounts of data, the student will be upskilled in the running of our First Team Database System, becoming a key user of the Analytics cloud.
Additionally, our Head of Football Analytics will be able to provide support and regular education sessions to develop skills and understanding in the area.
Whilst the analysis of data is important, communication of such information is imperative. As a result, we expect the student to quickly understand the importance of current feedback channels, whilst exploring new avenues for sharing information digitally.
This role presents a unique opportunity to gain insight into the day to day workings of a professional football Sports Science Department, whilst taking a hands on approach to Performance Data Management.
The successful candidate can apply to use the data they collect for research purposes (subject to Leicester City approval).
The ideal candidate will bring a new skillset to the Sports Science Department, with a drive to succeed and passion to make an impact on the wider Sports Science community.
The role will run from August 2019 to September 2020
Key Developmental Areas on this MSc Placement
- Data Analysis
- Performance Review
- Visual Feedback
How to apply for this studentship opportunity - The application process contains two independent requirements
Please note that progression to stage 2 will not be considered unless stage 1 is completed.
Stage 1: Enrol independently on the Sport Performance Analysis MSc at Middlesex University
The successful applicant will be expected to be independently accepted on the Sport Performance Analysis MSc course for the 2019/2020 Academic year, following the standard process for applying to the course.
The responsibility is on the applicant to ensure that they apply within the pre-determined timelines and achieve the entry level requirements for enrolment.
Specific course details and to enrol on the course can be found on the university website.
This opportunity is open to candidates already enrolled on the MSc at Middlesex University course or to candidates in the process of enrolling.
Stage 2: Apply directly to Leicester City
Your application letter will address the following two questions (maximum of 500 words per question):
- When considering objective performance data, what area are you most excited about investigating?
- Suggest a novel in way which data could be used to assess performance of professional football players (either in training, matches or the gym)?
Send an application form and your covering letter answering the questions listed by email to recruitment@lcfc.co.uk.
You will need to submit your application by 5 August
About The Company
Established in 1884, Leicester City Football Club is a leading football club, achieving outstanding success as Premier League champions in 2016.
Following a period of growth, Leicester City Football Club is funding a MSc placement for a First Team Performance Data Analyst in order to improve their statistical handling of Sports Science data.
About The Department
The Leicester City Sports Science Department prides itself on being forward thinking and seeks gradual evolution in order to maintain a high level of support to the First Team Squad.
CPD opportunities will be organised across a range of topics, ensuring the student has opportunity to develop both their knowledge of Sports Science and Data Analytics.
As a valued member of the Sports Science Department, the student will regularly be expected to present internally on their individual projects whilst also having the opportunity to deliver to a larger audience at the annual LCFC Sports Science Student Workshop.
During the Masters Placement, the student will gain a great insight into the Sports Science practice at a Premier League team and experience working as part of a multi-multi-disciplinary team.
Leicester City Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Leicester City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, you may be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service and prior to taking up any role.
A shortlist of suitable applicants will be compiled shortly after the closing date and successful candidates will be contacted about the interview process.
If you feel you have the qualities and experience we are looking for please apply by sending your application form, and covering letter answering the questions listed in stage 2 of the application process by email to recruitment@lcfc.co.uk.
Closing Date – 5 August