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Sports Analyst

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A sports analyst in the UK works to interpret and communicate information about sports events, teams, and athletes. This role can involve analysing data to assess player performance, providing expert commentary for television or radio, or preparing reports for sports clubs or agencies. Sports analysts use statistics, video analysis, and their knowledge of the sport to offer insights that can help teams improve or help audiences understand the game better. The job often requires strong communication skills, a deep understanding of the sport, and the ability to work with data and modern technology. Some sports analysts work behind the scenes for clubs, while others become well-known media personalities.

Sports Analyst

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Sports analysts in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on experience and employer.

Job Opportunities

There are around 1,000-2,000 sports analyst positions in the UK, with opportunities in broadcasting, clubs, and specialist agencies.

Growth Sector

The demand for sports analysts is increasing, especially as clubs and media rely more on statistical insights for decision-making and commentary.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Football Performance Analyst

Specialises in analysing football matches and player performance using data and video technology to support coaches and teams.

Cricket Data Analyst

Focuses on collecting and interpreting data from cricket matches to provide insights on tactics, player statistics and team strategies.

Sports Recruitment Analyst

Works with sports clubs or agencies to identify and assess potential athletes for recruitment using detailed performance data and scouting reports.

Gain a Solid Educational Foundation

Achieve Good GCSEs and A Levels

Focus on subjects like Maths, PE, IT, and English to build relevant skills for future study.

Having a strong background in Maths and IT will help you with the analytical and technical aspects of sports analysis, while PE and English will support your understanding of sports and communication. Consider taking Statistics or Computer Science if available at your school.

Pursue a Relevant Degree

Apply for a university course in Sports Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.

Most sports analyst roles require a degree. Courses in Sports Analytics, Sports Management, or Data Analytics are particularly valued. Some universities offer modules specifically on sports performance analysis. Look for courses with placement opportunities or links to sports organisations.

Build Practical Skills and Experience

Learn to Use Analysis Software

Get familiar with tools like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Python, and sports-specific software such as Hudl and Opta.

Sports analysts often use these platforms to collect, process, and visualise data. Free online tutorials and courses can help you get started, and some universities provide hands-on training as part of their degrees.

Gain Work Experience

Look for internships, volunteering, or part-time roles with sports clubs, media companies, or analytics firms.

Real-world experience is crucial. Try to get involved with local teams or sporting organisations where you can analyse matches, collect data, or assist with performance reports. University sports teams may also offer opportunities to practise your skills.

Develop a Professional Profile

Build a Portfolio

Create examples of your analytical work, such as reports, blogs, or video breakdowns, to showcase your abilities.

Use online platforms to share your work, such as a personal website, LinkedIn, or sports analytics forums. This can demonstrate your skills to potential employers and help you stand out in a competitive field.

Apply for Analyst Roles

Search for entry-level sports analyst positions with clubs, broadcasters, or analytics companies.

Look for job listings on sports organisation websites, media outlets, and specialist recruitment agencies. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, education, and experience. Networking at sports events and online can also help you find opportunities.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Sports Analyst. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Sports Analyst and a Performance Sports Scientist both focus on analysing athletic performance data to enhance sporting outcomes. Both roles require a deep understanding of biomechanics, physiology, and data analysis techniques to optimise athlete performance and injury prevention.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

You could take a degree course in sport and exercise science. Courses that include the 3 main subjects of biomechanics, physiology and psychology, will help to keep your job and study options open later on.

Alternatively, you could study for a degree in a science related subject followed by a postgraduate qualification in sports science.

Related subjects include:

  • physical education
  • natural sciences
  • physiology
  • psychology

It's quite common for sports scientists to have or be working towards a postgraduate qualification.

Courses that include work placements or internship opportunities could give you an advantage when job hunting after completing your studies. This is something to ask universities about when you're looking at their courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

More Information

Career tips

Experience as fitness instructor, lifeguard, coach or volunteering, for example with a sports club, may improve your career prospects.

It will help you stand out in a competitive jobs market if you have extra qualifications like:

  • first aid
  • gym instructing
  • safeguarding

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more advice on careers in sports science from The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences and Careers in Sport.

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