Portobello Blog

Sports performance analysis is a career path that harmonises passion for sports with analytical skills. If you're intrigued by the science of sports and enticed by the thrill of data, this is the avenue for you. 

So, what makes sports performance analysis such an enticing career choice? Let's delve into the many benefits of this unique profession. 

The Excitement of Interdisciplinary Work 

Sports performance analysis is a melting pot of disciplines. It brings together elements of sports science, data analytics, psychology, and technology. Every day is a new challenge, a new puzzle to solve, whether it's interpreting complex data sets, understanding the biomechanics of an athlete's movement, or determining the psychological factors affecting performance. It's this diversity that keeps the work exciting and engaging. 

A Dynamic and Ever-Evolving Landscape 

As technology advances and data analytics become increasingly sophisticated, the field of sports performance analysis is continually evolving. It's a profession that keeps you on your toes, always learning, always growing. You're not just keeping pace with the changes; you're at the forefront, shaping the future of sports. 

Making a Tangible Impact 

Imagine watching a match and seeing your analysis come to life on the field or witnessing an athlete you've been working with reach a new personal best. As a sports performance analyst, your insights can directly influence training decisions, strategies, and ultimately, performance outcomes. There's immense satisfaction in seeing your work translated into real-world results. 

A Field in High Demand 

The appetite for data-driven insights in the sports industry is growing exponentially. Teams, coaches, and athletes alike are recognising the value of performance analysis in gaining a competitive edge. As this trend continues, the demand for skilled performance analysts is set to rise, offering robust career prospects. 

Developing Transferable Skills 

Performance analysis hones a unique set of skills. You'll be proficient in data interpretation, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. These skills aren't just crucial in the world of sports; they're highly transferable and sought after in various other sectors. 

The Thrill of Technological Advancement 

From wearables tracking athlete performance to AI-powered software interpreting data, technology is integral to performance analysis. You'll have first-hand experience with cutting-edge tools, keeping your skills modern and relevant. 

Opportunities on a Global Scale 

The demand for performance analysts isn't confined to one country or one sport. It's a global phenomenon. Whether it's football in England, basketball in the USA, cricket in India, or athletics at the Olympics, there are opportunities worldwide. This global perspective enriches your professional journey with diverse experiences and cultural understanding. 

Building an Extensive Network 

As a performance analyst, you'll work closely with coaches, athletes, sports scientists, and other industry professionals. This collaboration not only enriches your work experience but also helps you build a strong professional network. 

A career in sports performance analysis isn't merely a job; it's a fulfilling and exhilarating journey at the forefront of sports science.  

It offers the chance to make a real difference in the sports world, using data to enhance performance and transform how the game is played and understood.  

So, if you're ready to unite your passion for sports with a knack for analytics, take the leap into this dynamic profession. With sports performance analysis, the future of sports is in your hands. 

Michael Blanchard is a graduate of the MSc in Sports Performance Analysis at Portobello Institute who has progressed to studying for his Ph.D at Leeds Beckett University in the UK.From a young age, sport was a major passion in Michael’s life.

“I started to play baseball first. I transitioned to Olympic weightlifting, MMA also. I’ve always been involved in sports. That’s how I started in this business. I was doing MMA for over six years. Realised I wasn’t going to make it as a pro. Not even sure if I wanted to either.

“I decided I was going to train them instead,” he said.

Upon completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa, Michael then made the trip across the border to the United States, moving to California to work with the Delta’s in the North American Soccer League.

After a stint in the US, it was back to the homeland for Michael trading Ottawa for Toronto, as he followed his passion and began to work with players from the National Hockey League with teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators.

“From there I moved to Toronto and worked with NHL players. P. K. Subban, Mark Friedman, and some others,” he said.

More recently, Michael has been living and working in Edmonton, working primarily with the Edmonton Elks, a professional football team playing in the Canadian Football League.

If you are interested in learning more, read our article to discover sports performance analysis in your sports science career.

Portobello Institute offers a BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science to begin your career in sports science and an MSc in Sports Performance Analysis to accelerate your career to the next level. 

If you are interested in any of our sports courses or have any questions you can book a consultation call with our expert sports advisor Jason Lester, email jason.lester@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0029.