First Team Opposition Analysis

Organisation: Swansea City AFC
Salary: Competitive
Location: Swansea
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 18 May 2026
Job Description: JOB TITLE First Team Opposition Analyst
DEPARTMENT First Team Analysis

RESPONSIBLE TO Head of Analysis

SALARY Competitive
CONTRACT Permanent Full-time, 40 hours a week
WORK FLEXIBILITY The position will involve working irregular hours; evenings, weekends and bank holidays
Location Fairwood Training Grounds, SA2 7JX

THE ROLE
Swansea City AFC is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Opposition Analyst to support the First Team throughout the 2026–27 EFL Championship season. The role will focus on delivering high-quality tactical and data-driven insights aligned with the club’s football philosophy—emphasizing structured build-up play, positional discipline, and intelligent pressing.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the coaching staff and players are optimally prepared for each Championship fixture, providing tailored analysis on opposition teams and contributing to Swansea City’s competitive edge.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead opposition analysis for all EFL Championship fixtures, as well as domestic cup competitions where required.
• Analyse upcoming opponents’ tactical identity, including build-up structures, pressing triggers, defensive organisation, and transition behaviours.
• Identify key opposition players, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential tactical matchups relevant to Swansea City’s playing model.
• Produce detailed pre-match reports and video presentations tailored specifically to Swansea City’s tactical approach.
• Deliver concise and engaging analysis sessions to coaching staff and players at Fairwood Training Ground.
• Collaborate with the First Team Head of Analysis and coaching staff to ensure analysis directly informs weekly training plans and match strategy.
• Provide live matchday support at Swansea.com Stadium, delivering real-time insights and opposition adjustments.
• Maintain a dynamic database of Championship opponents and tracking tactical trends, formations across the season.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Key Skills & Experience
• Demonstrable experience in football performance analysis, ideally within the EFL Championship or a comparable elite environment.
• Strong knowledge of Championship-level football, including physical demands, tactical variability, and league-specific trends.
• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard analysis tools (e.g., Hudl Sportscode, Wyscout, Genius Sports, or similar).
• Deep understanding of tactical frameworks, including positional play, pressing systems, and transition phases.
• Ability to translate complex data and video into clear, actionable insights for coaches and players.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Strong organisational ability with proven experience managing tight turnaround times between fixtures.

Desirable Qualifications
• Degree in Performance Analysis, Sports Science, or a related discipline.
• FA Level 2 (UEFA C) coaching qualification or higher.
• Familiarity with Swansea City’s playing philosophy and operational structure.

Personal Attributes
• High attention to detail and analytical mindset.
• Strong alignment with Swansea City’s footballing identity and values.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure Championship environment.
• Proactive, collaborative, and adaptable approach to problem-solving.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and innovation in performance analysis.

Performance Measures
• Accuracy, clarity, and relevance of opposition analysis delivered to coaching staff and players.
• Impact of analytical insights on match preparation and in-game tactical decisions.
• Feedback from First Team Manager and coaching staff.
• Efficiency in delivering outputs within tight Championship scheduling cycles.
• Contribution to overall team performance throughout the 2026–27 season.

GENERAL STATEMENT
Should an adequate number of applications be received prior to the closing date, Swansea City AFC reserve the right to remove this advert.

Due to a high demand in applications the Club will be unable to respond to those applicants who have not been shortlisted for interview.

SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE
The Company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people involved in activities and event at the Company. As part of the Company’s recruitment and selection process any offers of work involving working in regulated activity with children are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Disclosure and barred list check (depending on the level of supervision, frequency, and nature of contact with children).

The Company may also conduct online searches of candidates who have been shortlisted as part of its safer recruitment procedures. Appropriate references will be required.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
Swansea City AFC strives to ensure it provides an environment where everyone's rights, dignity and individual worth is respected and takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Equal Opportunity is an integral part of our recruitment and selection process, and we welcome applications from all individuals who feel they meet the core requirements of the role.

We are particularly encouraging applications from women, disabled people and individuals from diverse ethnic communities who are currently under-represented within the
organisation.

All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role.
How to apply: https://irecruit.efl.com/vacancies/2780/first-team-opposition-analyst.html