Third-year University of South Wales student appointed Bristol City Women’s analyst

by Callum Ellis

A THIRD-year University of South Wales student has been appointed as first-team analyst of Women’s Super League side Bristol City.

Ben Roberts is a UEFA B license candidate and studies BSc Football Coaching and Performance at the university’s Treforest campus.

He will work with the Vixens – who compete in the top flight of women’s football – for the rest of the season as part of a placement alongside his academic studies.

Roberts will also link-up with USW graduate and Wales defender Gemma Evans – who joined the club in July 2018 – at the Stoke Gifford Stadium.

After a series of successful interviews with the club, Roberts made a positive impression and was appointed to the role on a full-time basis.

“I needed to find a summer placement as part of my degree,” said Roberts. “I searched through LinkedIn and discovered the job with Bristol City.

“I was given the opportunity to attend multiple interviews with the club, before I was eventually given the role with the team.

“It’s been eye-opening to experience the first-team environment that the club have implemented and I hope the role will prepare me for a full-time job in the future.”

Roberts has already enjoyed a fair share of experience in the industry during the early days of his career, having worked with League Two club Newport County last season.

He was responsible for working as an analyst with Mike Flynn’s first-team staff and enjoyed the Exiles’ run to the play-off final at Wembley in May.

The 21-year-old also experienced County’s journey to the FA Cup fifth round – and was present at Rodney Parade for their clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

“Newport gave me a great start to life in the football industry,” added Roberts.

“I was responsible for creating opposition reports and filming matches, including the remarkable FA Cup run.

“I was also lucky enough to go to Wembley for the play-off final in May.”