"You sink or swim": An investigation into the experiences of applied performance analysts working in women's football

Harkness-Armstrong, A ORCID: 0000-0002-7258-4469, Lowry, R, Jackson, A, Seth, L and Datson, N "You sink or swim": An investigation into the experiences of applied performance analysts working in women's football. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. ISSN 1747-9541 (Accepted)

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Abstract

Performance analysis research within football has focussed on the outputs of systematic observation, quantification and analysis of performance; less attention has been given to the applied practices of performance analysts. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the experiences of applied performance analysts working within women’s football, providing further insight beyond previous initial explorations. Ten performance analysts working with senior women’s football teams (international n=3; top-tier domestic n=2; second-tier domestic n=5) in the United Kingdom, participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two key themes were developed. Firstly, developing as an applied performance analyst in women’s football, with four sub-themes of 1) alignment of learning opportunities to real-world practice, 2) preferences for learning opportunities, 3) navigating internal constraints and 4) navigating external constraints. Secondly, working as an applied performance analyst within women’s football, with three sub-themes; 1) prioritisation of performance analysis provision, 2) implementing appropriate performance analysis provision and 3) challenges of working within women’s football. The results demonstrate the breadth, depth and complexities of challenges and considerations in becoming, being and developing as an applied performance analyst within women’s football. As such, the findings have wide-ranging implications for higher education institutions, academics, and development and learning professionals within football organisations and governing bodies, informing the development of aspiring and current analysts. The findings also have implications for applied performance analysts, clubs, organisations, and governing bodies in women’s football, informing the design, delivery and review of performance analysis practices.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences (RISES); soccer; female; professional practice; continuing professional development; working conditions; 11 Medical and Health Sciences; 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences; 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences; 42 Health sciences; 52 Psychology
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports > GV711 Coaching G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Date of acceptance:	31 October 2026
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2026 09:48
Last Modified:	02 Nov 2026 09:48
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29785

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