Lucy Wood

What was the best thing about your course lecturers?

One of the best parts of the course was the incredible support I received from the course leaders and the meaningful relationships I built with them. A few teachers truly stood out — not only did they spark my interest in their subjects, but their encouragement and guidance helped me produce work I was genuinely proud of. Their support made the entire learning experience far more enjoyable and rewarding.

How would you rate Solent’s facilities?

The facilities, both on the main campus and at Test Park Sports Ground, were of a very high standard. The quality of individual and group learning environments really stood out to me when I first looked round Solent. And for Test Park, having this venue available to us for our practical modules and to play sports was brilliant.

Do you feel like your studies helped you prepare for a career in the industry?

Absolutely. My studies at Solent played a key role in preparing me for a career in the football industry, and that was largely due to the quality of the lecturers.

We were taught by professionals with real-world experience across various sectors and levels of the game. This exposure gave us a broad understanding of the industry and invaluable first-hand insights into what working in football truly involves.

And it wasn’t just about the practical skills — we also explored the development of the sport, as well as its psychological and even political dimensions.

That depth of learning has been incredibly useful in my career. It’s given me the confidence and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to conversations and decisions that I wouldn’t have felt equipped for before.

Can you talk a bit about any opportunities you had to get practical experience?

Solent was the kick start of my career. Even though I was studying during the pandemic, our lecturers made it clear how important gaining experience was — and they made it accessible.

One lecturer in particular had a wealth of connections from his time in the US and regularly shared voluntary opportunities in my area of interest: performance analysis (PA). These opportunities helped me understand the fundamentals of PA and allowed me to build relationships that I still maintain today.

What was the best thing about student life here?

Even though a large part of my time at Solent was during lockdown, the friendships I made were truly special. Despite the challenges, so many of us still managed to build lasting connections — and that’s something quite rare.

Being surrounded by people from all walks of life, each with their own passions, meant there was always a group where you felt you belonged. The close-knit layout of the university halls also made everything feel accessible and helped foster that sense of community.

Did the University give you any help, support or advice when you needed it?

Absolutely. As I mentioned earlier, the support I received — especially when it came to gaining industry experience — was invaluable. The guidance and opportunities provided by the university played a huge role in getting me to where I am today.

What did you take away from your time at Solent University?

I left Solent with so much more than a degree. I gained lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories and hands-on experience that gave me a real edge in the industry.

Tell us about your journey and what led you to pursue a career in the football industry.

My career started with a voluntary Performance Analyst (PA) role at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). This post was my first exposure to working in the game. It taught me how PA works, what it entails, the relentlessness of the industry but also the highs and friendships that come with it.

Overlapping with my time at UNCW, I joined Sutton United U18s as an analyst during their unforgettable FA Youth Cup run — beating Chelsea and reaching the semi-finals. The experience and feedback I received lit a fire in me.

In my third year at Solent, I landed a part-time internship with Crystal Palace, supporting the performance analysis department for their U21 and U18 teams. It was my first real look at elite-level football — the detail, the infrastructure, the intensity — and it was eye-opening.

That led to a funded master’s internship at Crystal Palace, where I became lead analyst for the U15s while studying. It was a tough balancing act but incredibly rewarding. I made lifelong friends and gained invaluable experience.

After finishing my master’s, I was close to joining Crystal Palace Women for their first WSL season — but just weeks before the start, Arsenal approached me to join their new Recruitment and Scouting department. I’ve been there ever since, now heading into my third season.

What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards of working in this industry?

One of the biggest challenges is definitely the long, often unsociable hours — sometimes with unpredictable schedules and a constant workload. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges. The people you work with become like family, the bonds you form are incredibly strong and seeing your work payoff is the best feeling.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, at Arsenal FC, our department is focused on several projects aimed at improving our processes and outcomes. Personally, I’m also working towards my FA Level 3 Talent Identification award, which I’m really excited about.

What’s your career highlight so far?

A standout moment was during my time at Crystal Palace, when I joined the U12s on an end-of-season tour to the Mina Cup. It was an intense five days of analysis, presentations, and tight turnarounds — but seeing the team reach the final, watching their reactions to my pre-match analysis, and then lifting the trophy was unforgettable.

What tips would you give to someone wanting a career in the football industry?

Be ready to work incredibly hard and never cut corners — people notice. Work hard, be a good person, build relationships wherever you go. If you do that and enjoy the journey, everything else will fall into place.