Data Scientist

Join to apply for the Data Scientist role at The Football Association.

Help shape the future of football through data. The FA is investing in advanced digital and data capabilities to transform how we engage with the game—from grassroots and elite performance to fan experience and business operations. As part of this transformation we are creating a new opportunity for a Data Scientist to deliver impactful, data‑driven solutions across the organisation.

As a Data Scientist at The FA you will be central to our data transformation, working across grassroots initiatives, elite performance, fan engagement and operations. From day one you will lead the development and deployment of data science solutions, collaborating 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.

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• 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 visualisations using Power BI, matplotlib and Plotly.
  
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for 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.
  
• Maintain compliance with company policies and health and safety standards.
  
• Complete a DBS check as required for the role.
  

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• Programming: Python, R.
  
• Data platforms: Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse, SQL; experience with AWS or GCP is a plus.
  
• Machine learning: Scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch.
  
• Data visualisation: Power BI, matplotlib, Plotly.
  
• Data engineering: pipeline design, cloud storage (Azure Blob, AAD, RBAC).
  
• Strong foundation in statistics, modelling and data wrangling.
  

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• Translate business problems into analytical solutions.
  
• Communicate insights effectively to non‑technical stakeholders.
  
• Work well in cross‑functional teams.
  
• Analytical thinker with a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
  

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• Competitive salary and growth opportunities.
  
• Access to event‑day tickets at Wembley Stadium and internal events throughout the season.
  
• Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park.
  
• Free private medical cover.
  
• A contributory pension scheme.
  
• 25 days annual leave plus a custom ‘Thank You’ day and volunteering days.
  
• Hybrid working model offering greater flexibility.
  

The FA is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage diverse applicants and actively promote inclusion and equality. If you need adjustments during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know.