MSc by Research: Men’s Academy Performance Coach/ First Team Sport Scientist
We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites – brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy – we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees.
We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.
About this placement
* Full‑time Masters by Research enrolment with student placement.
* 12 – 18 hours per week – some evening and weekend attendance required.
* Master’s tuition fees paid by Crystal Palace at UK rate.
* Start date: 1st August 2026
* The primary research location will be at Crystal Palace Football Club Academy (BR31NZ) or 1st team training grounds (BR3 1RJ).
Crystal Palace Football Club (1st Team and Academy) are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals who are looking to undertake a Masters by Research to enhance the performance department services while developing themselves as a performance coach or sport scientist.
This is the ideal studentship for someone who is looking to enhance their industry‑relevant research skills alongside ability as a coach or sport scientist. The role will be a highly challenging and rewarding experience and give the candidate a great insight into what a full‑time role within Academy or 1st team football looks like.
Crystal Palace Football Club is proud of its role in developing performance practitioners to develop youth footballers through the funded MRes pathway. 16/17 students have secured full‑time roles within 12 different clubs since commencement of the program.
Responsibilities
* Develop applied research, writing and data analysis skills that inform innovation in practice.
* Develop experience in delivery of pitch and gym‑based sessions to U9 – U16 teams and assisting with U18 – U21 sessions.
* Learn to create and interpret GPS reports with the Professional Development Phase players.
* Collate data using wellbeing questionnaires and RPE’s to create subjective training reports and gain experience presenting daily to coaching staff.
* Experience conducting a range of physical tests in line with Premier League requirements as well as additional testing.
* Develop experience in creating session plans to be delivered to U9 – U16 groups and reviewing these with staff.
* Take part in regular internal and external CPD as well as completing a Coaching Competency Framework that allows development of key areas of coaching which are essential to progress within the Academy performance department.
Research Proposal Guidance
Please consider and choose one of the following project areas and associated reading. Develop a 1,000‑word research proposal, that includes an abstract, review of literature, identification of clear research questions and research methods to answer the intended research question. Further guidance is provided below.
Example research areas include
* Effects of match day plus one (MD+1) top‑up conditioning on MD+3 fatigue responses.
* Reliability of kicking load variables (e.g., ball velocity) during football training drills using GPS ball tracking technology.
* Multidirectional analysis of running load during training drills, training weeks or during player injury rehabilitation.
* Dose‑response relationships between multidirectional running load variables and fatigue response – influence of physical qualities.
* Physical testing (physical testing, fatigue testing, influence of growth and maturation).
References
* Buchheit, M., Lopez Sagarra, A., Boskovic, A., Komino, P., Norman, D. and Hader, K. (2026) ‘GPS 3.0: From distance into zones toward better proxies of internal neuromuscular load in elite football’, Sports Performance & Science Reports, 280, v1.
* White, R., Palczewska, A., Weaving, D., Collins, N. and Jones, B. (2022) ‘Sequential movement pattern‑mining (SMP) in field‑based team‑sport: A framework for quantifying spatiotemporal data and improve training specificity?’, Journal of Sports Sciences, 40(2), pp. 164–174. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1982484
* Weaving, D., Young, D., Riboli, A., Jones, B. and Coratella, G. (2022) ‘The maximal intensity period: Rationalising its use in team sports practice’, Sports Medicine – Open, 8, 136. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00519-7
* Ellis, M., Myers, T., Taylor, R., Morris, R. and Akubat, I. (2022) ‘The dose‑response relationship between training‑load measures and changes in force‑time components during a countermovement jump in male academy soccer players’, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(11), pp. 1634–1641. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0107
How to apply
As part of your application, please attach a research proposal that should not exceed 1,000 words (PDF format) – please see detailed guidance on writing your research proposal below.
Requirements
* 2:1 or higher in a relevant discipline.
* Interest in researching a topic within Academy football.
* Experience of delivering athletic development sessions to youth athletes.
* Experience of coaching or playing football.
* Experience or willingness to learn data analysis environments (e.g., R Studio, Power BI).
* A willingness to learn in an environment which is full of challenges.
* International students require IELTS 7.0, with a score no lower than 6.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification, at the point of application. The funding for fees is at the UK rate (£5,950). Therefore, international students are required to pay a supplement of £11,700 to meet the full MRes international tuition fee.
Our commitment to Equality
At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow through a working environment that makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. The club is committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability‑related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk.
Safeguarding
Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
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