Overview
Hamilton Academical Football Club is delighted to offer one MSc Professional Practice Placement with the club for the 2026/27 season. The successful candidate must be enrolled on the MSc Professional Practice (Performance Analysis) degree course at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The student placement opportunity will last for a 12‑month period and will encompass normal work‑based activities to approximately 0.8 FTE, allowing the successful candidate to balance placement and academic study requirements.
This role is a voluntary position; however, the course fees of the successful candidate will be covered. Reasonable travel expenses will also be paid. All required equipment and software will be provided.
Role Purpose
Hamilton Academical Football Club is seeking a Performance Analyst to deliver high-quality analysis support across the club’s performance programme. The role is designed to reflect a professional sporting environment, blending match and training analysis with applied problem-solving, technology use, and reflective practice to drive performance improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Performance Analysis Delivery
- Capture, code and analyse match and training footage to support coaches and players with objective insights.
- Produce clear, concise outputs (reports, clips, dashboards, opposition previews) that translate analysis into actionable coaching points.
- Support the design and delivery of feedback processes (individual, unit and team), aligned to the club’s playing philosophy and weekly objectives.
- Contribute to game model development by tracking trends, KPIs, and performance indicators over time.
Applied Research & Innovation (Professional Practice)
- Identify performance questions arising from the working environment and develop evidence-informed solutions.
- Where operating as a studentship/placement, contribute to a work-based research project (proposal → delivery → reporting back to the club), aligned to practitioner engagement expectations.
- Use technology creatively to support performance analysis practice and communication, demonstrating innovation in methods and tools.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work collaboratively with coaching staff to ensure analysis is relevant, timely, and aligned to match plans.
- Maintain professional relationships across the club and represent Hamilton Academical Football Club appropriately at all times.
- Provide and receive constructive feedback as part of continuous improvement and reflective practice.
Professional Standards, Ethics & Compliance
- Operate within professional practice boundaries and uphold appropriate ethical standards expected within performance analysis.
- Work in a manner that supports a healthy, safe and inclusive environment, following club policies and procedures.
- Report safeguarding, equality, diversity, or welfare concerns through the appropriate channels.
Placement/Studentship Structure (Optional)
Hamilton Academical Football Club will provide:
- Normal working conditions that reflect the professional environment, including a structured role scope and expectations.
- A named work-based mentor to provide supervision, support and feedback.
- Appropriate induction and training including relevant health and safety expectations.
- Engagement with the university’s academic mentor process, including progress updates as required.
Person Specification
Essential
- Demonstrable knowledge of performance analysis principles and the ability to apply them in a football environment.
- Ability to create clear, actionable analysis outputs for coaches and players.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently, manage deadlines and handle multiple priorities.
- Professional conduct and the ability to represent the club appropriately.
- Willingness to work matchdays and adapt to the seasonal demands of football.
- Commitment to working within safe, inclusive, and ethical practice standards.
Desirable
- Experience using industry performance analysis software and workflows.
- Experience delivering opposition analysis and supporting tactical game planning.
- Experience within academy environments and player development programmes.
- Interest in applied research and reflective practice within performance analysis.
What We Offer
- A role embedded in a professional football environment with meaningful responsibilities.
- Opportunity to contribute to innovation and applied practice, including potential work-based research outputs.
- Supportive mentoring structure (work-based mentoring; academic engagement where applicable).
How to Apply
Please send a CV and short covering statement outlining your experience and why you are interested in the role at Hamilton Academical Football Club to r.nuttall@the-accies.com
Closing date: June 29th
