Pathway · Lateral move
First-Team Performance Analyst to Opposition Analyst
How to move from First-Team Performance Analyst to Opposition Analyst: what to learn, what to prove and what formal steps, if any, are needed.
Qualification check for Opposition Analyst
Helpful
A qualification can help, but experience and results decide this move. Not required. Evidence of clear opposition reports and a good tactical eye matters most.
1 to 3 yearstypical timeline
2new skills to build
0qualifications to consider
-7%mid-point UK pay change, illustrative
The move at a glance
First-Team Performance Analyst
Provides match and training analysis for senior coaches and players.
Opposition Analyst
Studies upcoming opponents and prepares the match plan.
Skills and knowledge to build
Experience and routes that help
The routes into your current role also work for this one. Focus on a wider scope of responsibility.
Qualifications to consider
No additional qualification is typically required. Experience and a track record matter most.
What the new role asks of you
- Study opponents' patterns on video and data
- Prepare reports and clips for coaches
- Present key points to players
Practical steps
- Ask for a small piece of the new role's work before you apply, for example one of the tasks above.
- Close the top gap first: Opposition Analysis.
- Keep a record of two results that show you working at the next level.
- Talk to three people who do the job. Ask how they got in, and who they would recommend you speak to.