MSc Performance Analysis Placement w/Loughborough University (Part-Time, Fixed Term)

Performance Analysis Placement (Sheffield United FC) & MSc Applied Sport Performance Analysis

Loughborough University and Sheffield United FC are committed to the development of aspiring practitioners through elite sport in the UK. We currently have an exciting opportunity for an aspiring performance analyst to develop their expertise via a combination of high-quality teaching on our MSc Applied Sport Performance Analysis course, and through applied experience with Sheffield United's Elite Performance Academy.

Students on our new MSc course accumulate over 450 hours experience in applied practice. The successful candidate will be compensated at £12.71 per hour for 25 hours per week on a fixed-term contract of approximately 10 months, concluding at the end of the season. Students will additionally have an opportunity to further their development with mentorship and support from our elite coaches, support staff and a dedicated placement tutor. During the placement, there is an opportunity to build a portfolio of practical expertise while learning how to operate in a modern inter-disciplinary team, enhancing your employability within the performance analysis field.

What would I be doing?

• The role will mainly focus on providing analysis for the U15-U16 age groups.
• Film, (live) code and feedback on games and training in line with Sheffield United FC's game model and individual technical KPI's.
• Communicate performance analysis feedback with coaches, players, performance analysis staff and the wider multidisciplinary staff to aid player development.
• Help with the collection, storage, visualisation, and analysis of key performance data and video.
• Use a variety of video and data sources to create and deliver age-appropriate analysis sessions to teams, units, and individual players.
• Sharing video and analysis sessions via Hudl and engaging players in analysis feedback when players are both on and off-site in line with their Player ID's and additional analysis tasks.
• Be an active member of the performance support team, positively contributing to the team culture.

• Why should I apply for this opportunity?
• Contribute and be a part of the continued success stories of Sheffield United FC's Academy player pathway to first team football.
• You will have regular exposure to working with coaches, support staff and athletes as part of an inter-disciplinary team in an elite sporting environment.
• You will have an excellent platform to develop advanced knowledge and the skills to analyse and develop performance in elite sport.
• You will have the opportunity to learn from applied practitioners, with extensive experience in elite sport, and renowned research active academics.
• You will have access to market-leading performance analysis hardware and software (HUDL, Tableau and others), used in professional sports organisations.
• You will benefit from the unique internal and external sporting partners at Loughborough University to provide authentic and challenging learning opportunities.
• The opportunity to learn alongside the staff at Sheffield United FC will also develop the broad skills, knowledge and experience required to deliver impactful insights to elite coaches and athletes.
• You will have a dedicated and experienced placement tutor to support your personal development and future career planning.

What are Loughborough University and Sheffield United FC looking for?

• Relevant experience within performance analysis.
• Previous experience in Football / Academy Performance Analysis.
• Highly numerate with strong technical and IT skills.
• Experience in the use of performance analysis software(s) such as Hudl Sportscode, Studio, Wyscout, Veo and IP Camera's to feedback actionable insights.
• Understanding of the coaching process and how analysis can influence this.
• Energy and enthusiasm. Someone who enjoys interacting with different groups of people and enjoys the challenge the role brings and is committed to achieving personal and team objectives
• A pro-active individual - understands the needs of the team to be successful and is forthcoming with ideas and assistance.
• Highly organised, with the ability to work under pressure and deal with multiple tasks
• Eager to develop and progress both technically and in the softer skills of being an analyst.
• Due to the nature of the role, you will need to be available to provide support during evenings and weekends.

Application Information

To apply for this role, you need to have firmly accepted a place on the MSc Applied Sport Performance Analysis at Loughborough University to start September 2026.

If you are interested in applying for the placement, please complete and return the official Sheffield United application form to careers@sufc.co.uk - accessible via the link below. Job Ref: AC042026-FTLPA

The deadline for these applications is Friday 17th April. Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 27th April and the successful applicant will start mid-July 2026.

*The advertised placement is to be combined with studying at Loughborough University on the MSc Applied Sport Performance Analysis course. The successful candidate must be eligible to undertake the course with Loughborough University. More details regarding the course can be found here.

For informal enquiries regarding the MSc Applied Sport Performance Analysis course please contact the Programme Leader via email to d.barron@lboro.ac.uk

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.

Equality and Diversity
Sheffield United FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.

Sheffield United FC are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like further information regarding the scheme and how we are able to support disabled persons within the workplace, then please contact our HR team at careers@sufc.co.uk

Safer Recruitment
Sheffield United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK. For further information on the Club's Safeguarding Statement please access the following link:
sufc.co.uk/club/policies/safeguarding-policy