Data Scientist
Posted 4 days 4 hours ago by Kick It Out
Help Shape the Future of Football Through Data
The Football Association (The FA) is investing in advanced digital and data capabilities to transform how we engage with the game, from grassroots and development of home grown coaches to fan experience and business operations. As part of this transformation, we're expanding our team with ambitious, forward thinking professionals.
We're excited to offer a newly created opportunity for a Data Scientist to play a key role in delivering impactful, data driven solutions across the organisation.
As a Data Scientist at The FA, you'll be central to our data transformation, working across areas such as grassroots initiatives, coaching pathways, fan engagement, and operations.
From day one, you'll lead the development and deployment of data science solutions. You will collaborate with cross functional teams to build scalable systems, maintain robust data pipelines, and integrate machine learning models into real world applications that make a measurable impact.
Key Responsibilities- Apply machine learning and predictive modelling to optimise player development, grassroots participation, and tournament planning
- Perform clustering and statistical analysis on historical performance data to identify tactical and developmental insights
- Develop computer vision models (e.g. YOLO, TensorFlow, PyTorch) for match analysis, crowd monitoring, and event operations
- Design and maintain robust data pipelines for structured and unstructured data using Microsoft Fabric and Azure Synapse
- Build and deploy scalable machine learning models to solve real world challenges
- Create dashboards and data visualisations using Power BI, matplotlib, and Plotly
- Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for both technical and non technical stakeholders
- Collaborate with product managers, data engineers, and solution architects to align analytics with business goals
- Support MLOps and FinOps practices for live services and resource planning
- Execute additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities
- Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and well being
- Complete a DBS check in line with legislation and government guidance
- Python and R
- Power BI, matplotlib, Plotly
- Azure (RBAC, AAD, Blob Storage); experience with AWS or GCP is also valued
- Strong foundation in statistics, modelling, and data wrangling
- Scikit learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch
- Ability to translate business problems into analytical solutions
- Confident communicator capable of presenting insights to non technical stakeholders
- Effective team player who works well in cross functional environments
- Analytical thinker with a proactive and solutions oriented mindset
We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high performing England teams and leaders.
Benefits- Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season, encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and well being.
- Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
- Free private medical cover.
- A contributory pension scheme.
- An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave (based on a full time, permanent contract.)
- A hybrid working model which offers greater flexibility.
Currently, we are working within a hybrid working model whereby the expectation is to work from your contractual location for part of the week, and as and when required by the team. The remaining days can be worked remotely. We will continue to monitor this model, and it may be adjusted in future if deemed necessary. The contractual location of this role can be found on the FA Careers page.
We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.