Master’s Degree in Football Data Analytics & Sport Management
Learn how to manage data and technology to become the professional that football needs.
The first Master’s degree in Football Data Analytics designed to meet the objectives of a professional club.
Duration
10 months
Format
Hybrid
Home
October 2026
Specialisms
3 itineraries
Partner club
RC Deportivo
Why the MFDA?
Technology and data at the service of top-flight football
The MFDA has been established in response to the growing presence of new technologies applied to performance in football in recent years, which requires the sector to train those professionals who, either directly or indirectly, are involved with these new methodologies and wish to advance their careers. This programme takes a holistic approach, seeking to integrate all sources of information and apply them within an appropriate theoretical and methodological framework, thereby facilitating sound decision-making in elite football. Learning to manage the data available to us and using it to improve is the foundation of everything covered in this master’s programme.
The two main sections of the programme
Block 1
Talent identification and management
Data-driven scouting, player profiles and decision-making in the development and management of professional squads.
Block 2
Performance management
Tactical, physical and statistical analysis to optimise individual and team performance in professional football.
THE CLUB, A DATA-DRIVEN ORGANISATION
An organisation such as a top-flight football club operates vertically across all age groups, distinguishing between the youth teams and the first team. And horizontally, it has dozens of data sources that must be managed in order to achieve the desired results both on the pitch and in the boardroom. The MFDA teaches you how to organise this entire ecosystem and maximise its potential.
The footballer: Talent + Performance
The MFDA focuses on methodologies for identifying and monitoring talent, teaching participants how to develop athlete development models that support a player at different stages of their career.
Data sources for a data-driven football club
Curriculum
A course to change your career
The MFDA is a formative journey aimed at helping you achieve your goals in elite football. It is an experience that begins with the theoretical foundations needed to understand the value of data and the technology that supports it, and continues with practical training to familiarise you with the football industry and its unique characteristics. All of this is complemented by the personal aspect of connecting with people who share your vision and interests. By the end of the programme, you will be ready to realise your potential and make your mark, both personally and professionally.
The student’s journey at the MFDA
Common module · All students
Core principles shared by the three specialisations
Choose your specialism
01
Data Science
Data Analytics
Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Computer Vision applied to performance in professional football. The most technical and sought-after role in the sector.
02
Sports Management
Sports Centre
The use of data by coaches, sporting directors and technical staff in professional football. Scouting, match preparation and competition analysis.
03
Performance
Physical Training
Load management, injury prevention and biometric data for fitness coaches and sports scientists in high-performance football.
Our partner
RC Deportivo de A Coruña
Football, education and the future
The partnership between SBL Education and RC Deportivo de A Coruña stems from a shared vision of the future of football and the role that education plays in it. For Deportivo, training is not just an institutional responsibility; it is a valuable strategic tool that enables its professionals to continue to grow and the club to continue to evolve.
In this context, teaching and research become a path to continuous improvement: the club’s professionals who act as trainers find that passing on knowledge is a way of gaining a deeper understanding of their own discipline, whilst MFDA students gain access to that knowledge from the inside, with the real-world perspective of those who make decisions at a professional club on a daily basis.
The result is a partnership that extends beyond the classroom: better training, better professionals and, ultimately, a sports organisation and a society that are better prepared for the challenges of the future of football.
Teaching staff
MFDA Academic Board
The MFDA’s teaching staff draw on their football experience to inform their academic work. They are professionals currently working in the day-to-day running of a professional club, tasked with transforming their real-world experience into high-impact teaching modules.
Data analysts, fitness coaches and trainers who share three qualities: in-depth knowledge of their field, real-world experience in competitive football, and the ability to convey this knowledge in a classroom setting.
Full academic staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions? Here we answer the most common questions asked by MFDA candidates.
Do I need any prior knowledge of programming?
It isn’t necessary. The core module includes Python from the very beginning, with a curriculum designed to suit all learners, regardless of their prior technical experience.
When do the face-to-face sessions take place?
The optional face-to-face sessions take place over a weekend in A Coruña. Students can choose to attend in person or join remotely.
When and how do I choose my specialism?
You choose your specialisation before the programme begins. During the admissions process, we’ll advise you on which one best suits your profile and career goals.
What exactly does working with RC Deportivo involve?
Students work with real data from the club during the programme. The Master’s thesis is based on real-life issues faced by RC Deportivo, with the support of the club’s staff.
How many hours a week does the programme require?
The programme is designed to be compatible with work commitments. The estimated time commitment is 8 to 12 hours per week, including live sessions and independent study.
How do work placements work after the Master’s thesis?
Once they have successfully defended their Master’s thesis, students can access our list of work placements at clubs, federations and professional football organisations through the programme’s network of partners.
What is your area of specialisation?
Choose your path.
This is not a generalist Master’s programme. Each specialisation has its own profile, teaching staff and career prospects. Take a look at each one and find the one that best suits your career path.
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