PFSA Level 1
Data Analysis In Football
Created by a senior consultant for the leading data provider within the Premier League
Our recently launched PFSA Level 1 Data Analysis In Football course marks the beginning of our data analysis series. The course, designed by a Senior Consultant from the premier data provider in professional football and a Premier League Data Scientist, is a self-paced online program. It aims to shed light on the application of data within high-level football environments and explores the roles it generates within clubs as they continue to invest in technology.
What is data analysis?
Data analysis in football is an approach that involves using performance metrics to communicate relevant insights to key stakeholders. When done effectively these insights will ultimately affect behaviours and change decision making across multi-disciplines.
Data analysis does not take away the need for video analysis or in person scouting, but rather supplements the more traditional methods by providing an additional layer of objective information.
When used effectively, data analysis can provide two main benefits. The first being ‘evidence-based decision making’. Using objective data to provide insights that the ‘eyes’ may not pick up on. For example – a player might rank the best in Europe for a certain action, or your next opponent might concede the most set piece goals in the league. The second big benefit of using data analysis in football, is ‘workflow efficiency’. With a solid data strategy in place, you can save hours of time every matchday on basic processes. For example, using automated data to produce team line ups, squad lists and simple rankings.
In the modern game, data analysis has now been adopted at all levels, and it’s important that staff and players have an understanding of the basic principles.
Modules Include:
- What is data analysis in football
- Data analysis in football – a brief history
- The ideal data analysis department
- How data analysis fits into the hierarchy
- Linking data with video
- Data and Video analysis head-to-head
- Key tools of data analysis
- Data Providers – Event and Tracking
- How to choose a data source
- Database Creation, ETL and Automated Workflows
- Reporting – Tableau, R, Python, Excel
- Soft Skills – being able to translate information to coaches and players
- Understanding of key metrics (xG, PPDA)
- Event data and going to the next level
- Creating your own metrics (early crosses, cutback etx)
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand and apply various data analysis techniques within the context of elite football.
- Identify and understand the different roles that constitute a sporting data department and how they interrelate.
- Master the usage of tools and techniques to leverage data for effective decision making in player recruitment.
- Learn to integrate data analysis with video analysis for comprehensive evaluation of sporting performance.
- Gain proficiency in executing data analysis processes through a detailed, step-by-step guide.
The PFSA Level 1 Data Analysis In Football course is 100% online and self-paced, meaning you can complete this course in your own time and at your own pace. Expect to spend 4-6 hours completing the course, with additional time spent on assessments and research.
Self-paced including online presentations and interactive tasks, multiple choice, short answer and matching questions, review exercises and private study.
The assessment for this course will consist of satisfactory completion of the online learning tasks and exercises.
Learn with Confidence: University-Endorsed Material
The PFSA Scouting and Analysis portfolio is officially endorsed by several Universities and we have certified most elite football clubs in the UK and overseas, we provide thousands of students with access to our full portfolio, including UCFB | GIS who have campuses across some of the worlds most iconic sporting venues including Wembley, Inter Miami, Red Bull Arena and Australias MCG to name a few. Meaning that you can be confident that our content is trusted and delivered by the experts!
