Portobello Institute, in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, offers a comprehensive MSc Sports Performance Analysis program designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.
Recognising the increasing importance of technology in sports, the Institute has integrated Hudl software into its curriculum, providing students with practical experience using a leading industry tool and enhancing their CVs for future career prospects.
Why Hudl is a Valuable Tool
Hudl is a high-performance video and data platform used extensively by professional and collegiate sports teams across various disciplines, including basketball, ice hockey, volleyball, rugby, and football.
The software offers a suite of solutions for:
- Capture: Hudl Focus, a fully automated recording solution, allows for seamless capture of high-definition video without the need for a camera operator. This technology is particularly beneficial for students analysing game footage.
- Analysis: Hudl provides powerful coding tools, customised scripting capabilities, and interactive data reports that enable in-depth analysis of team and player performance. This functionality allows students to develop their analytical skills and generate insights that can inform coaching strategies.
- Distribution: Hudl's secure, cloud-based platform facilitates effortless asset management and sharing of data and video with the entire team7. This feature is crucial for collaborative work and communication within a sports performance analysis setting.
- Communication: In-app messaging features enable students to provide detailed feedback to individual players, groups, or the entire team from any device. This functionality fosters effective communication and collaboration, essential skills for sports performance analysts.
Programme Lead for the MSc Sports Performance Analysis, Dr. Danielle Prescott, said: “As the leading provider in the space of Sport and Data Analysis, equipping students with access to HUDL Sportscode, Wyscout and all the other features that come with the HUDL affiliation is a no brainer for any institution that wants to see their students succeed beyond their studies.
“Wyscout has quickly become the go to platform for anyone working in data, recruitment and analysis in the football world. Being able to provide access to these resources outside of the elite footballing environment is something that we pride ourselves on here at Portobello Institute, knowing that we are preparing our students for success.
“Entering into the analysis, scouting, recruitment or data domain within sport means that 99% of the time, there will be an expectation that any successful candidate would be able to demonstrate their knowledge and use of the HUDL platform.”
Benefits for Portobello Students
Integrating Hudl into the MSc Sports Performance Analysis course offers numerous benefits for students:
- Practical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard software, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This practical exposure is invaluable for their CVs and future employability.
- Industry Relevance: By familiarising themselves with Hudl, students gain an advantage in the competitive job market. Many professional sports teams rely on Hudl, making graduates who are proficient in the software highly desirable candidates.
- Enhanced Skill Set: Working with Hudl develops critical skills in video analysis, data interpretation, performance assessment, and communication, rounding out their expertise as sports performance analysts.
- Networking Opportunities: Hudl's widespread use in the sports industry provides students with potential networking opportunities. Interacting with the software connects them to a broader community of professionals.
Wyscout
In addition to Hudl, Portobello Institute also incorporates Wyscout into its MSc Sports Performance Analysis program. Wyscout is another valuable tool used by sports performance analysts. It specialises in providing in-depth football data and analysis tools.
Here are some of the features and benefits of Wyscout:
- Extensive Data Coverage: Wyscout offers a vast database encompassing over 600 football competitions worldwide. It covers a wide range of leagues, from the top professional tiers to youth tournaments, providing students with a comprehensive dataset for analysis. This data includes play-by-play coverage that is not offered by any other company.
- Detailed Match Analysis: Wyscout's team of expert analysts meticulously examines each match, tagging over 2,000 events per game. They provide deep, accurate, and time-stamped data, capturing everything from player movements and actions to match outcomes.2 This data can be used to generate advanced statistical reports with charts, graphics, visual mappings, and smart infographics.
- Advanced Search Functionality: Wyscout's platform features a sophisticated search engine that enables students to efficiently find, analyse, and compare data on more than 400,000 players. This tool empowers students to conduct in-depth player scouting and identify potential talent.
- Historical Data Availability: Wyscout offers access to historical data sets dating back to the 2014-15 season. This extensive archive allows students to study past performances, track player development, and identify trends over time.
- Integration with Hudl: Wyscout is now part of the Hudl suite of products. This integration makes it easy for students to access Wyscout data and use it in conjunction with Hudl's video analysis tools, further enhancing their analytical capabilities.
Career Opportunities
The MSc Sports Performance Analysis program, enhanced by Hudl integration, prepares graduates for various career paths:
- Sports Technology Industry: Contribute to the development, research, and delivery of innovative sports technology solutions.
- Professional Sports Teams: Work as integral members of multidisciplinary teams, providing performance support to coaches and athletes.
- TV Commentary and Broadcasting: Analyse performance footage and provide insights for commentary during major world championships and league games.
By incorporating Hudl into the MSc Sports Performance Analysis course, Portobello Institute demonstrates its commitment to providing students with a contemporary and practical education. Hudl proficiency is a significant asset on any sports performance analyst's CV, increasing graduates' employability and equipping them with the necessary tools to excel in this rapidly evolving field.
