Hudl’s Link with University of Derby Prepares the New Wave of Performance Analysts The University of Derby have one of the leading performance analysis courses in the United Kingdom, consistently helping graduates into elite-level clubs and organisations.
Dr. Andrew Butterworth is a senior lecturer in performance
“The relationship between the club and the university
analysis at the University of Derby and has guided
is imperative for us as a department to maintain the high
numerous students under his tutelage. For example, eight
standards of analytical provision we deliver to both the first
undergraduate students and two postgraduate students are
team and the academy,” said Warner. “The interns play a key
working with EFL Championship side Derby County FC. The
role in supporting the full time analysts day-to-day processes,
University also has strong links with Leicester City FC, The
while being challenged to adhere to the high levels of detail
FA (based at the proximal St. George’s Park), as well as a
expected by the department.“
range of local sides including rugby and cricket. Current second year student Chloe Dhillon feels the “Our course gives the students the ability to see things
same way about the career opportunities on offer through
from both ways around,” said Dr. Butterworth. “At university,
this course.
it’s the opportunity to teach some of the theory behind performance analysis and coaching within the modules that
“The relationship between the university and professional
we do, which is a great opportunity for them to learn what
clubs helps a lot as it shows what’s to come when we finish
theory sits behind the practice. Then we have a huge number
our degree,” said Dhillon. “If you already have the experience
of opportunities to apply their studies practically in real life
beforehand, then you’re kind of a step ahead in our discipline.
professional environments.”
If you can show you can already work efficiently in a
Hudl Academy is the free online learning resource that
“Coming out of university with that certification is something
allows a user to master a range of analysis tools at their
that most people don’t have, and it’s something that we are
own pace. There are progressively more advanced
getting through our degree. It’s something different and
modules for mastering software such as Hudl, Wyscout and
also extra qualification that can be placed on our CV and
Hudl Sportscode.
LinkedIn pages.”
Every performance analysis student at Derby will end the
Each student in the performance analysis course is provided
course as level 3 certified with Hudl Academy. For Dhillon,
with their own individual Hudl Sportscode license to use
the Hudl Academy content effectively complements her
on their personal computers, to pair with the licenses that
course work.
are available in the university itself. This was especially useful during pandemic circumstances when study was
“Hudl Academy certifications are really useful to have on top
often remote.
of our degree work because it’s like a top up. It’s also really beneficial to learn outside of the box as well,” said Dhillon.
“Pre-COVID, the fact that every student could have their
“You learn by using Hudl practically, as well as what we do
own license on their own personal machine, proved an
in the classroom. The platform is really easily laid out, and
incredible tool for us,” said Dr. Butterworth. “It means the
it’s easy to pick up where you left off, and also there’s lots of
students are able to work from home more effectively on their
support on the Hudl support page. As I’m at the start of my
assessments, and on upskilling themselves on the software
performance analysis journey, having that confidence from
platforms available to them. Ultimately it means the students
the Hudl Academy courses helps a lot.”
are more competent in using the software, and that serves them really well moving forwards into applied roles that can
Fellow second year Stephanie Moran feels the same way.
be secured upon completing their studies.”
“Having a level 3 Hudl Academy certification means we are more likely to be employed after university,” said Moran.
professional environment, then you’re part of the way there.” Derby County Head of Performance Analysis Ben Warner echoed the thoughts of Dr. Butterworth.
The University of Derby takes advantage of a two-pronged offering from Hudl for their leading course of study: software learning resources.
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Hudl Magazine
September 2021
Hudl Magazine
September 2021 39
