Charlie Roberts had one clear goal: to build a career as a coach in professional football. So studying at a professional Football Club was the perfect starting point. Charlie enrolled on the degree programme at Norwich City to study the BA (Hons) Community Football Coaching and Development degree, which is delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales (USW) across more than 40 EFL Clubs.

When he started performance analysis was not something he had considered until a first-year lecturer introduced him to the role. That conversation opened up a new possibility and prompted Charlie to explore the profession for himself through articles, videos and interviews with people already working in the game.

Eager to understand more, Charlie took his learning beyond the classroom. He completed short courses and gradually discovered how analysis could combine his interest in tactics with his enthusiasm for coaching. Wanting first-hand experience, he approached several local clubs. Norwich City Women gave him his opportunity, allowing him to put theory into practice while continuing to work towards his degree.

Just a few months into the placement, Charlie’s responsibilities already spanned across matchdays, training and opposition research. Before each game, he sets up the camera and live stream, feeding footage to a computer on the bench. As the action unfolds, he codes key moments so the manager can select clips for the half-time team talk. Away from matchdays, he films training sessions and examines future opponents, highlighting strengths, weaknesses and patterns that can help the coaching team prepare.

The role has not taken Charlie away from coaching; instead, it has strengthened that ambition. Working alongside UEFA B- and UEFA A-licensed coaches gives him a close-up view of how experienced staff plan sessions, communicate ideas and apply technical and tactical language. Analysis has taught him to see matches from different angles, and he is already transferring what he learns into his wider work with the Community Sports Foundation.

Charlie describes the experience as a “win-win”. As he continues working towards his USW degree, he is building academic knowledge alongside the practical skills, industry insight and professional contacts gained through his placement. Performance analysis may become his chosen career, but even if he ultimately returns his full focus to coaching, the experience is equipping him with a sharper eye and a broader understanding of the sport. What started as an unexpected suggestion in a university lecture has developed into a valuable work-based journey, one that is helping Charlie make informed career choices and opening up new possibilities for his future in professional football.

Charlie Analyses the Route to Success

Charlie Analyses the Route to Success