Former Middlesbrough College student, Matthew Austin, is set to take his place on the world stage after being selected by FIFA as a Tournament Football Analyst for this year’s World Cup tournament, marking a major milestone in his rapidly developing career in football performance analysis.
19-year-old Matthew, originally from Redcar and born in Middlesbrough, will join FIFA’s analyst team, contributing to World Cup tournament coverage through advanced data collection and coding.
His work will support the delivery of enhanced match insights shared globally with fans, media and participating teams, playing a vital role in understanding and developing the modern game.
Speaking about his career journey, Matthew said: “I first discovered performance analysis while studying GCSE PE and quickly became fascinated by the tactical and analytical side of football.
“Middlesbrough College played a huge part in getting me started on my career path. The course and work experience opportunities helped me understand performance analysis in a real football environment. Now, getting the chance to work with FIFA so early in my career is incredible, and I’m excited to see where it can take me – ideally back to the North East if the opportunities allow!”
Matthew’s journey into elite-level analysis began at Middlesbrough College in 2022, where he studied for his Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science. During his time at the College, he gained practical experience through work placements, first analysing matches at Marske United FC before securing a full-season internship with Middlesbrough FC Academy.
Now in his second year studying Sport Performance Analysis at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Matthew continues to build experience within professional football. He currently works as a performance analyst with Swansea City Academy, supporting the Under 15 and Under 16 squads by live coding matches, collecting performance data and producing video analysis used by coaching staff to influence tactical decisions and player development.
The FIFA opportunity came following a competitive recruitment process. Matthew first applied in 2025 but narrowly missed out at the interview stage. Encouraged by his university tutor, he reapplied this year and successfully progressed through a demanding three- person online interview process, beating strong competition to secure one of just 50 placements from over 200 applicants.
Matthew will now undertake specialist FIFA training from March to May, before working across World Cup matches from June through mid-July, balancing the role alongside his university studies.
Andy Collett, Football Academy director at Middlesbrough College said: “Matthew’s success shows how valuable practical experience and strong academic pathways are in helping students reach elite opportunities. We’re extremely proud to see one of our former students progressing onto the global football stage with FIFA.”
For further information on courses that offer clear pathways into careers within the sports industry, and details on how to apply, please visit www.mbro.ac.uk or attend one of the College’s upcoming open events.
