Starting in Football Analysis? Here’s What You Need to Know

In this week’s issue of football progression path I am going to share the three essential tips for starting in football analysis.

These strategies can significantly enhance your knowledge, expand your network, and increase your opportunities in the football industry.

However, people often get stuck when starting their analysis journey. They seem to think they need qualifications, they need more data, and that they need to be an expert.

This is not the case at all.

To embark on your football analysis journey, concentrate on three critical areas:

• Learning How to Code
• Developing Football Knowledge
• Self-Promotion

Learning How to Code

Coding is a fundamental skill for any football analyst.

While you don't need to be an expert, understanding the basics of coding languages like Python, R, or SQL is crucial. These skills are often a minimum requirement for data analyst roles at football clubs.

• Start with Python: Python is a globally recognised language, providing a strong foundation for analysts in various sectors. It's particularly beneficial for those looking to work in football.
• Utilise Free Resources: Leverage free online resources such as McKay John's YouTube channel, he also offers a comprehensive Python course, which I highly recommend. Also explore Friends of Tracking for free webinars and tutorials.
• Focus on Key Areas: When learning to code, concentrate on obtaining, manipulating, and visualising data. These are the core skills you'll need to develop.
• Use Chat Tools: Tools like ChatGPT or Gemini from Google can help you write better code and resolve errors quickly.

Developing Football Knowledge

Understanding football tactics is essential for effective analysis. The best analysts can translate numbers into insights for key decision-makers using appropriate terminology.

• Recommended Reading: Enhance your football knowledge with books like John Cotterill's "Anatomy of a Football Scout", "Football's Principles of Play", and “Soccer IQ volume 1 and volume 2”
• Watch Games: Watching games is one of the best ways to build your knowledge base. Many leagues are streamed live and can be rewatched on platforms like YouTube and FIFA Plus.
• Engage with Experts: Follow knowledgeable individuals on social media platforms like X, Bluesky, or LinkedIn. Many talented analysts share valuable content online.

Self-Promotion

Promoting your work and making yourself visible is crucial in the football analysis community. Engage with the community and share your insights online.

• Create an Online Portfolio: Use your coding and football knowledge to create an online portfolio. This is a powerful tool for showcasing your skills and attracting opportunities. Here’s my free 5 day email course to help you build your online portfolio.
• Share on Social Media: Platforms like X, LinkedIn, or Blue Sky are excellent for sharing your work. Consider starting a newsletter or blog to further highlight your expertise.
• Network Building: Building a network through these platforms will eventually lead to opportunities in football. Many professional analysts have successfully used this approach to advance their careers.

In summary, focusing on learning how to code, developing football knowledge, and self-promotion are essential steps in your football analysis journey.

These elements will help you create opportunities, enhance your knowledge base, and grow your network as an analyst and scout. By writing online and creating an online portfolio, you can showcase your skills, attract opportunities, and contribute to the football analysis community.

Embrace these strategies to elevate your career and make a significant impact in the world of football analysis.

I’ll catch you all next week.

All the best,

Liam.

Whenever you’re ready there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. The Online Portfolio Blueprint - My flagship course for helping new, current and aspiring football professionals. We give you the blueprint on how grow your knowledge, network and opportunities in football by writing online through an online portfolio.
2. Pro Scout Edge - Our scouting tool has be created by professionals and tested by experts in football. It’s the ultimate online scouting database you need for your scouting journey. It forms an all-in-one system for player and team scouting, with templates, dashboards and more.
3. Football Connective Community - Bringing together like-minded new, aspiring and current analysts & scouts to share knowledge and learn together to improve and progress our football careers. This is done through the four pillars of analysis, scouting, online portfolio and employment.