Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst

**Job Location:**Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

**Contract Type:**Full-time

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Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. 

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

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About this role:

As the Lead U21 Academy Performance Analyst, you will play a central role in delivering and driving all performance analysis processes for the U21 age group, working across pre-match, live, and post-match phases. This role sits at a critical point within the club’s player pathway, supporting the transition from Academy football to the professional game.

You will lead the analysis provision for the U21s, contributing to the technical, tactical, and decision-making development of players, while providing coaches with clear, actionable insights aligned to the club’s playing philosophy and game model.

The role requires an analyst who thrives in a high-performance environment, demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills, and is passionate about applying modern analysis tools to enhance player progression towards first-team football.

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Responsibilities:

• Lead all performance analysis activity for the U21 age group, including filming, coding, live analysis, post-match review, and database management.
• Capture, analyse, and present training and match footage using Hudl Sportscode and other relevant performance analysis tools.
• Deliver high-quality video and data feedback to players and coaches to support individual development plans and positional learning objectives.
• Conduct detailed opposition analysis, producing concise tactical insights to support match preparation and game plan execution.
• Maintain and develop individual player performance databases, benchmarking progress against Academy and first-team performance indicators.
• Manage the U21 video library and contribute to best-practice resources to support coach education and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Share relevant video and data content with players, coaching staff, and wider Academy stakeholders through appropriate platforms.
• Work closely with coaches, analysts, sports science, and medical staff to ensure alignment with the club’s Academy philosophy and performance framework.
• Support alignment between the U21s, U18s, and First Team analysis processes to ensure consistency across the player pathway.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• BSc (and ideally MSc) in Performance Analysis, Sports Science, Coaching, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience working within a professional or elite football environment.
• High-level proficiency with the Hudl Pro Suite (Sportscode, Studio, Hudl, iCoda).
• Strong understanding of performance analysis workflows, video editing, and feedback delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Apple Keynote/PowerPoint equivalents.
• Experience using scouting and opposition analysis platforms such as Wyscout.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

 

Desirable

• UEFA C Licence or equivalent coaching qualification.
• Previous experience working within a Category 1 Academy or U21/PL2 environment.
• Competency in data analysis, programming, or applied data science tools.
• Experience using data visualisation software such as Tableau or Power BI.
• Experience working with or supporting first-team analysis processes.

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Benefits:

• Complimentary match day ticket
• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days

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Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.[email protected]). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.