River Plate and Sports Data Campus present the Master’s Degree in Football Academy Analytics

THE REVOLUTION IN IDENTIFYING AND DEVELOPING TALENT IN YOUTH FOOTBALL.

In a landmark move that connects football tradition with technological innovation, Sports Data Campus is proud to announce the launch of the Master’s Degree in Football Academy Analytics. This postgraduate program, offered in collaboration with Club Atlético River Plate and IURP (River Plate University Institute) and UCAM, is designed to transform the management and development of young talent in football.

This Master’s program represents the essential synergy between data analysis, the development and detection of young talents, and the production of detailed reports for sports management. The goal is clear: to train professionals capable of achieving superior performance within youth football, establishing a Data-Driven training direction that is crucial for optimizing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving decision-making.

A Master’s degree with the River Plate brand

Club Atlético River Plate, founded on May 25, 1901, is one of the most prestigious sports institutions in Argentina and Latin America. Based in Núñez, Buenos Aires, its iconic Monumental stadium, the largest in the country, has witnessed historic moments such as the 1978 World Cup final.

Renowned for its offensive and elegant style of play, River has won more than 38 league titles, 4 Copa Libertadores, and 1 Intercontinental Cup, and has produced legendary players such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Enzo Francescoli, and Pablo Aimar. Its youth academy, “La Fábrica”, is a breeding ground for international talent.

Beyond football, the club offers more than 50 sports disciplines and social projects, reinforcing its commitment to the community. Its motto, “El Más Grande,” reflects the passion and legacy that transcend generations, establishing River as a symbol of greatness in world sport.

Cutting-edge training and essential skills

The Master’s Degree in Football Academy Analytics is aimed at youth coaches, academy directors, coordinators, sports data analysts, and other professionals interested in specializing in applying Big Data to youth and academy football.

Participants will acquire the necessary skills and competencies to perform with expertise and professionalism in this highly specialized area, mastering essential technological tools:

• Programming and Data Processing: Students will develop skills in computational and statistical data processing using Python, applied to tracking and evaluating player development.

• Visualization and Reporting (BI): Students will learn to design interactive dashboards and use Business Intelligence (BI) visualization tools to present detailed analyses to club management.

• Data-Driven Scouting: Students will transform traditional scouting by designing advanced systems for identifying and evaluating external talent and developing predictive evolution models for internal talent.

• Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Models: The program covers the mastery of Machine Learning (ML) techniques and algorithms to categorize and predict player progression. It includes the application of Deep Learning for advanced technical–tactical analysis and potential assessment.

Training and connection with the professional sector

The new Master’s Degree in Football Academy Analytics offers comprehensive training for the new generation of analysts. It is a pioneering academic programme in the sector, structured to respond to the real needs of clubs.

The academic management is led by leading professionals such as David R. Sáez, CEO at Sports Data Campus (ENIIT / Big Data International Campus), and Lucas Bracamonte, Director of the Professional Extension Department.

Supported by an internationally renowned teaching staff, the program features leading professionals such as Coqui Rafo, Head of Methodology at City Group; Juan Cruz Anselmi, Youth Football Coordinator at Cerro Porteño; Pablo Galaz Cares, Industrial Civil Engineer and Master in Operations Management from the University of Chile; Alberto Garrido, Assistant Head Coach at Watford FC; Urko Cherta, Youth Academy Director at Valencia CF; Fredi Martin, Assistant Head Coach at Qingdao West Coast; Nacho Leblic, Director of Scouting at Portland Timbers (MLS); Iñaki Ubiria, Youth Academy and Scouting Director at CD Alavés; Pablo Sanzol, member of the Technical Secretariat at Deportivo Alavés; ; Julio Rodríguez, Head of the Data Department at Celta de Vigo; Ricardo Bernal, Professor and Researcher at UNAM; Marko Biskupovic, Sporting Director at ANFP; and David Muñoz Agell, Head of Scouting & Analysis at Club Deportivo Guadalajara, among many others.

Masterclass with elite football professionals

The Masterclass on the Sports Data Industry: Data Providers, Services, IoT Devices… features renowned professionals such as Borja Gómez, Director at BePro Spain; Daniel Limones, FIFA Talent Coach and Sales Manager at Stats Perform; Fabio Nevado, Technician at LALIGA Mediacoach; Gonzalo Zarza, CEO at Sportian; Joao Costa, Sales Manager at Metrica Sports; Luis Llagostera, CEO at Fly-Fut; Luis Mosquera, Product Manager Sports Analytics at Kinexon; Maurici A. López-Felip, CEO & Co-Founder of Kognia Sports Intelligence; Montse García Bea, Elite Executive Account at Hudl-Wyscout; Joshua Lee, Customer Success Specialist at Catapult; Paul Neilson, Director of Performance at SkillCorner; Raúl Peláez, CEO at AILITE; Salva Carmona, CEO at Driblab; Sara Carmona, Head of Data at YouFirst; Sebastiano Cadé, International Sales Director at K-Sport; Sergi Bellmunt, Product Manager at Hudl; Stalin Santillán, SICS Sports; and Alicia Arias, Customer Experience Manager at LongoMatch, among many others.

Elite careers and global certification

Graduates are qualified to perform crucial roles in the sector, including: Scout, Data Manager and/or Analyst, Tactical Analyst, Director of Football Development Academies, Player Recruitment Agent, and Assistant to the Sporting Director

The program offers a unique learning experience, highlighting:

1. Official University Certification by UCAM: The certification is from UCAM, which has been recognized by prestigious international rankings, placing it among the top 10 universities in Europe for teaching quality according to the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking.

2. Top-Tier Faculty: Students will train with instructors and professionals from the best teams in the world, including staff from City Group, Valencia CF, Celta de Vigo, Deportivo Alavés, Portland Timbers MLS, LaLiga Mediacoach, Hudl-Wyscout, and Catapult.

3. Complementary Certifications: Four additional certifications are included: CATAPULT Performance Certification, LONGOMATCH Videoanalysis Certification, SPORTS DATA CAMPUS Certification in Soft Skills, and SPORT COACH NORTE Certification in Fundamentals of the Game

Professional extension department: Your gateway to real opportunities

Thanks to the Professional Extension Department, students gain access to real job opportunities and practical projects with elite teams.

This department, created in 2023, promotes professional excellence and innovation. It maintains an ecosystem of collaborators that includes over 100 world-class clubs and teams and more than 120 leading companies in their sector. Key numbers confirm its impact: more than 190 students have participated in professional projects, and more than 115 projects have been successfully initiated or completed. Students also join the largest community on Big Data and Sports in Spanish, fostering networking.

This is the moment to lead the new era of youth football development and become the architect of tomorrow’s talent.