Dene Field, a MSc Football Coaching and Analysis graduate, now works as a First Team Analyst at Watford FC Women’s Team.
When asked about his role, Dene said: “Being first team analyst involves plenty of research, data, filming and video clipping, all for team or individual analysis of ourselves, and of the opposition.”
Dene has also worked in men’s football, working as a sports scientist at League Two club Sutton United, an experience opportunity he got from UCFB JobTeaser.
As well as his role at Watford FC Women, Dene is also the U18s manager at non-league Brackley Town FC.
“My best moment working in the industry was the end of last season with Watford,” he said, “winning our league and winning our promotion Play-Off final at Stadium:MK in front of thousands of fans, for promotion back to the Women’s Championship.”
When asked about the reason he chose to study at GIS, Dene added: “GIS was football-specific, and I always knew this was the sport I wanted to go into.
“I was already coaching, and doing small bits of analysis, so having the ability to work on both of these on one course was a no brainer.”
While at GIS, Dene got involved with plenty of the extra-curricular activities alongside his studies and his career, speaking highly of the Future Leaders Conference at St George’s Park.
About his time studying with us, he said: “GIS built on my previous coaching experience and helped strengthen and develop my analysis skills.
“I really enjoyed my time here. I have made friends in the industry for life, learnt off those thriving in the game, and gained experiences that have shaped me into who I am today, and where I am on my career path.
“It’s the specificity of the program towards those working in football that comes with GIS. Everyone wants to work in the game, and hence you’re always working alongside like-minded and driven people.”
He finished, offering advice for anyone wanting to work in the sports industry: “Be busy, go to everything, speak to everyone, and ultimately use GIS as much as possible to get the most out of your experience.
“Always network, and always sign up for things, even if you’re not sure it’s for you. I rarely had a minute to spare during my year at GIS, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”
