Football analytics is a relatively new but rapidly evolving way to analyse and understand one of the world’s most popular and widespread sports. With an estimated 5 billion people globally tuning in to watch major tournaments like the World Cup, being trained and able to properly analyse what is being seen on screen can be essential both as a fan and as a career. This article will take you through some of the basics of becoming a football analyst, such as what a football analyst is and the football analysis CPD courses available.
What is a Football Analyst?
Football analysis can be defined as a process used to examine the actions of players performed during a match. This may concern the overall team or a single athlete. Data is then collected post match and selected by an analyst to categorize events occurring in the different phases of the match. Analysis is usually undertaken to optimise performance, support the coaching process, improve player performance and help deliver tactical insights.
How do you become a Football Analyst?
There are several avenues into a career when looking at how to become a football analyst, some require more time and investment and others can be done in your own time and to your own pace. Here is a rundown of some of the key things to know that will boost your chance at success.
- Create a CV and portfolio
- Gain practical experience
- Start watching Football matches analytically
- Interact with the Football social media community online
- Learn from observing or hands on experience from experienced analysts
- Get a Bachelors Degree. The exact field of study varies depending on the position you are pursuing. For example, sports analysts that aspire to become broadcasters might want to pursue degrees in broadcasting, communications, journalism or a similar field. For those who prefer the statistical side of sports analysis, a degree in mathematics or statistics would be beneficial.
What are the applications of Football Analysis?
One key application for someone who has been educated in football data analysis could be to gather a players data on their speed, distance, acceleration, and location on the field per time. The data is then collected in easily readable charts. These reports are later used to determine the players' performance by set metrics. To understand a player's individual performance, the team's overall performance and an upcoming opponents' strengths and weaknesses, a data analyst works closely with coaches, medical staff and recruiters.
The role of data and analytics within football has grown demonstrably in recent years. Smaller clubs have been able to punch above their weight and rise in the rankings thanks to progressive data-driven recruitment and cutting edge performance strategies. Meanwhile, metrics has become a key part of mainstream football parlance. Even ten years ago, the data used by clubs was pretty basic, limited mainly to stats on goals, shots, number of shots, possession etc.; now, teams benefit from a far wider, more detailed, and more useful pool of data to make future decisions and for fans to understand the inner workings of football as an industry.
Where to find CPD Football Analysis courses?
Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service has over 27 years’ experience providing CPD accreditation. We recognise the increasing interest in football tactical analysis and host numerous football analytics courses on behalf of our members. Our CPD Courses Catalogue contains thousands of courses, seminars, conferences, workshops, eLearning and educational events available from a variety of CPD providers.
All the training in the catalogue has been reviewed and certified as meeting the required industry standards and benchmarks. To find out more about a particular CPD course listed on our website, you can complete an enquiry form and the details will be sent directly to the relevant CPD provider.
How to become a CPD accredited training provider
We hope this article on CPD Football analysis courses was helpful. If you are interested in offering training and events suitable for Continuing Professional Development, please visit the Become a CPD Provider page or contact our team to discuss in more detail. Alternatively, if you are looking for a free online CPD record tool to help manage, track and log your ongoing Continuing Professional Development, as well as store your personal training record and CPD attendance certificates in one simple place, please visit the myCPD Portal page.
