About the Project
Elite football academies have unprecedented access to performance data, analytics, video, digital platforms and emerging artificial intelligence tools. Yet having more information does not necessarily lead to better coaching.
A critical challenge is understanding how coaches interpret different forms of evidence, integrate them with professional judgement, and translate information into decisions that meaningfully influence coaching and player development.
Loughborough University and Chelsea FC Academy are seeking an outstanding doctoral researcher to investigate the relationship between technology, data and coaching decision-making within elite youth football. Embedded within Chelsea FC Academy, the successful candidate will examine how coaches engage with coaching insights data in their everyday practice.
The project will explore how information and broader player performance data are selected, interpreted, communicated and acted upon, and how technologies including analytics, digital feedback systems and emerging AI-supported tools can enhance rather than simply add to existing coaching processes.
Particular attention will be given to how data inform planning, feedback, review and player development; how different forms of evidence are integrated with coaches' experiential and professional knowledge; and the opportunities and challenges associated with increasingly technology-supported coaching environments.
94% of Loughborough's research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
- Professor Christoper Cushion
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from candidates with a strong academic background and should have a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) sport and exercise science, sport coaching, performance analysis, data analytics, psychology, education or another relevant discipline.
A postgraduate qualification ideally in sport and exercise science, sport coaching, performance analysis, data analytics, psychology, education or another relevant discipline. also highly desirable. Applicants should have a strong interest in the relationship between coaching, decision-making, data and technology.
Experience of research in high-performance sport, performance analysis, data analytics, coaching or digital technologies would be advantageous. The successful candidate will require strong analytical and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively across coaching, research and performance environments. Applicants do not need to be AI specialists; of greater importance is the capacity to critically investigate how technology and data can be used to enhance coaching and player development.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
The studentship is for three years and provides a tax-free stipend of £21805 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.
How to apply
All applications should be made online.
Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme PhD Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences.
Please quote the advertised reference number SSEHS-CC27-1 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
