Mphil Opportunity

**Project Description**

For over 25 years, Liverpool John Moores University has led the way in fostering a scientific approach towards the training, preparation, development and performances of players, coaches, and teams in professional football. Our world-leading scientific enquiry places the Football Exchange as the foremost organisation to support the football industry through world-class research, high quality education, and enterprise solutions.

Goalkeeper is a specialist position. Whilst the training and match requirements of outfield players has been extensively researched, limited attention has been directed to the activities of goalkeepers. At Norwich City, we’re changing how we view Goalkeepers and have established a specific department supported by a team of multidisciplinary experts to better understand and cater the unique requirements of this position. If you have experience in performance analysis, are passionate about goalkeeping and are an innovator who is keen to investigate different ways of doing things, then come and speak to us.

**Project Overview**

The goalkeeper is a unique position in Association Football as match rules permit the handling of the ball within a specific area (i.e., penalty area). In addition, goalkeepers are the final defence in critical moments of the game and their primary role requires them to defend shots from the opposition. Goalkeepers actively respond to attacks and shots for 7.5% of match time and spend 7.9% of match time indirectly defending the goal. However, in the modern game they are crucial when in possession as they often initiate the attacking phase from a re-start or possession regain. Since the 1992 rule change, passes from a teammates foot requires the goalkeeper to use their feet to manipulate the ball. For example, research has demonstrated that 65% of goalkeeper’s actions are offensive, and in the La Liga these technical-tactical actions are mainly foot controls, short passes, and goal kicks. Moreover, they are often overlooked when identifying specific performance indicators. Therefore, to develop better training programmes and monitor goalkeepers more accurately, key performance demands need to be specifically identified for this group rather than as comparisons with other player positions.

The study objectives for this project are:

- Development of a goalkeeper specific code window.
- Match analysis of goalkeeper performance.
- Audit goalkeeper training activity.

In addition to the project objectives, the role will include match day requirements, which can facilitate goalkeeper analysis demands but also support the wider performance analysis department to effect the live coaching process. The role will also provide an experience of additional performance analysis functions during game preparation.

**Entry Requirements**

**Essential**
- Passion for and knowledge of goalkeeping.
- Organised and capable of working to deadlines and problem solving.
- Experience of data processing and analysis.
- Experience of match analysis software (e.g., HUDL Sportscode, NacSport, SBG).
- Experience of working and communicating with key stakeholders in football (i.e., coaches, players, physical performance coaches).
- Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and capable of working independently.
- Organised and capable of working to deadlines and solve problems.
- Computer literacy, including MS office, excel and databases.

**Desirable**:

- Coaching qualification/s (e.g., UEFA C, B or A, Goalkeeping A).

**Funding Notes**

**How to Apply**

**First stage interviews will take place via MS Teams on 13 May 2024.**

**The successful applicant must be available to start w/c 17 June 2024.**

Norwich City Football Club and LJMU are equal opportunities employers and recognise the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the workplace. Please be aware that a criminal disclosure